MEDIA RELEASE: August 10th, 2023 Australian Marmalade Awards return in 2023 - the Citrus harvest is at its peak and it’s time for home marmalade cooks to shine
The Australian Citrus harvest is at its peak and Australia’s Home-cooks are being urged to get behind the citrus industry and enter the 2023 Dalemain Australian Marmalade Awards. Timed to coincide with popular citrus varieties being at their best in home gardens, shops and markets, entries open on the 22nd August in the quirky competition, which is looking for the best home-made marmalade in the country.
"Australia is home to some of the best citrus in the world, and we know our Aussie Marmalade makers are second to none, so we are excited to receive some really delicious entries. Wherever you are in Australia, spread the word amongst your food loving friends, it’s time to catch some sunshine in a jar.
We are looking for entries from everyone, from the most experienced home cooks to those making their first jars. Even if you are just startng out as a marmalade maker, the awards provide a unique opportunity to improve your skills. Our expert judging panel will carefully consider every jar and provide written feedback on each one. The best jars in each category will receive the coveted Gold certficates, and of course the overall winner will be declared Australia’s Best Marmalade!” - Belinda Stewart, Organising CommiJee Chair
The Australian awards are run in partnership with the prestgious World's Original Marmalade Awards in England. Founded by Jane Hasell-McCosh in 2005, with the initial idea of preserving, growing and widening the generations-old custom of turning citrus into marmalade. Eighteen years later, the awards attract thousands of entries from around the globe, including Australia, Japan, India, Africa and South America.
"Dalemain has a special connection to Australia and due to the high number of Australian entries it was the home to our first international sister fesval. So many wonderful Australian marmalade makers have entered our festival in the UK scoring consistently highly with their marmalade and many of whom make the journey over to the UK for the event here. We are delighted that the Australian festival will take place this year at Birregurra, already home to an exciting foodie culture, and so pleased to be associated once more with their sponsors Beerenberg.’ - Jane Hasell-Mccosh, Founder of The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards
Previously coordinated by the National Trust of SA, the 2023 contest is being organised by a new volunteer committee based in picturesque Birregurra, 130kms South-West of Melbourne in the beautiful Otways region, nestled inland from The Great Ocean Road. Birregurra has a wonderful local community and incredibly strong food culture.
Riverland citrus expert, Ian Tolley, who is recognised around the world for his knowledge and contribution to citrus growing, has been appointed patron.
In 2023, there are five categories ranging from the traditional Seville to one for marmalades featuring Australian native fruits and flavours. A junior class encourages people aged sixteen years and under to test their skills.
The Australian Awards are proudly sponsored by Beerenberg Farm, a family-owned business, and makers of fine preserves. "We are very grateful to our headline sponsor Beerenberg who have been long term supporters of the Awards. For six generations Beerenberg’s owners, the Paech family, have lived in the Adelaide Hills and they are champions of fresh produce and preserving, fostering innovation and taking Australian goodness to the world.’’ - Jane Harley, Patron of The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and CommiJee Member for the Dalemain Australia Marmalade Awards
This year the charity that has been chosen as the recipient of the proceeds of this competition is the Colac Area Health Foundation, and the Birregurra Community Medial Centre.
Entries close September 30. Judging will take place in October
, with the winners announced at a presentation in November. For more information, cooking tips and entry forms visit www.marmaladeawards.com.au
ENDS Further information on the Dalemain Australian Marmalade Awards: Belinda Stewart, Chair, Organising Committee Tel: 0487979473 Email- hello@marmaladeawards.com.au
Further information about the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards (UK): From a small Lake District community to octogenarian marmalade makers in Hiroshima and Australian marmalade for the King this is a shimmering citrus community of people that spans the globe. The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards began in 2005 with an idea to celebrate community, champion marmalade makers and raise money for charity. Over the years we have been joined by extraordinary marmalade makers, spanning generations, from Taiwan to Brazil, Norway to Northern Ireland, India to Senegal and now festivals in Japan and Australia. With generous support from Rathbones, Fortnum & Mason and Lycetts, we have raised over a quarter of a million pounds for charity and had thousands upon thousands of entries posted to us here in Cumbria. Paddington is a patron (naturally) and our winner is sold at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, adding to the amount we are able to donate. Press or high resoluDon image enquiries for the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards (UK): Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, Director of the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards bhm@dalemain.com WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7843047517