World’s Best Marmalades? Redlands Maker Wins Big at Prestigious UK Competition
Courtesy photo
A Silver Award-winning jar of locally produced marmalade.
Redlands-based marmalade producer Old California Botanicals has won a Silver Award at an international marmalade contest, judged earlier this winter at the prestigious Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria, England.
Old California Botanicals found success at the 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards, receiving eight awards including a Silver Award for its Redlands Navel Orange marmalade. The firm also received Bronze Awards for its Eureka Lemon and Minneola Tangelo marmalades, and Merit Awards for its Valencia Orange marmalade.
Old California Botanicals is among a limited number of American makers to medal in the competition. Surrounded by creative and fascinating tastes such as snow fungus, foraged Alexanders, sweet potato and Scotch Bonnet, Old California Botanicals’ marmalades were enjoyed for the outstanding and layered flavor profiles created by estate-grown citrus cultivated in Redlands’ ideal microclimates.
The Marmalade Awards received more than 3,400 entries this year from more than 30 countries. The jars were judged by a panel including Chair of Tourism Ireland Chris Brooke; food buyer Alex Evans; food historian Ivan Day; and Fortnum & Mason grocery buyer Syrie Gwyn Palmer. Jars that received awards can now carry official Marmalade Awards roundels to denote exceptional quality.
Every jar submitted by Old California Botanicals received two medals — one in the general category and one in the Savoury category, which recognizes marmalades designed to complement dishes far beyond the traditional breakfast table.
“It is an exciting moment coming to judge the Artisan marmalades every year which are often packed full of innovation and individuality,” said Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, director of the awards program. “All the award winners this year make it look very easy to achieve something which we as judges know is very hard to do. I know that Old California Botanicals will have huge success with their marmalade which was rightly acknowledged as being exceptional in 2026.”
Old California Botanicals (OCB) will have the opportunity to participate in a workshop April 24 at the World Marmalade Awards at Dalemain House.
“It is exciting to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. Some of the best citrus in the world grows in California and in Redlands, and our proprietary methods are tailored to showcase our unique microclimate,” said John P. Beall, the seventh-generation Californian who founded Old California Botanicals. “It is a great thrill to be recognized among such a strong field of competitors against citrus sourced from around the world.”
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Old California Botanicals Founder and Owner John Paul Beall.
OCB products can be ordered online at oldcaliforniabotanicals.com and found locally at Gerrard’s Market, Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market, the Museum of Redlands gift shop and Roger’s Gardens.
The marmalades have already received attention as a culinary ingredient, served to 210 people at the Kimberly Crest House & Gardens Royal Tea in 2025, and are currently available in certain cocktails served at The Overland in downtown Redlands.
The Marmalade Festival will take place Saturday, April 25, during World Marmalade Week.