Local producers Black Mountains Preserves have found success at the World Artisan Marmalade Awards, receiving a Gold Award in the savoury category for their Moroccan Marmalade, proving that owner Helen Dunne really is one of the best marmalade makers in the world!

A firm favourite, this preserve was noted for its “excellent texture with it’s well balanced and interesting combination of flavours” the judges declared it to be “a really delicious preserve”. They were very impressed with the marmalade’s appearance, colour, consistency, aroma and how beautifully it was presented, scoring the highest of scores 20/20!

Despite the pandemic and multiple UK lockdowns, the Marmalade Awards received a record-breaking number of entries this year, with over 3000 jars from more than 30 countries worldwide including Japan, Canada, Australia, Kuwait and the Dominican Republic. The Artisan Awards are judged by an expert panel including food writer Dan Lepard and Fortnum & Mason Grocery Buyer Sarah Metcalf, and this accolade denotes a marmalade of exceptional quality.

Founder of the Awards Jane Hasell-McCosh says: ‘We have always been so proud to champion quality artisan producers, and this year it has been more important than ever. Small businesses have been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, but I think it has made people realise how vital good, local food is, and I hope that Black Mountains Preserves will have huge success both locally and further afield. The quality of artisan marmalade has never been higher, and I am so proud of our Award winners this year.’

Due to continuing restrictions, the Awards were not announced in March as usual, and instead the winners were celebrated as part of the annual Plant Fair at Dalemain in June. Marmalade enthusiasts flocked to Dalemain to taste preserves from all over the world, see the winners announced and take part in ‘Marmalade Question Times’ with the experts.

Helen collected her award at Marmalade HQ, Dalemain Mansion in Penrith, Cumbria, at a special prizegiving ceremony and was presented with her Gold Award by His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan Mr Hayashi Hajime.

“Winning a Gold Award in my first year of trading is beyond all my expectations and to officially say that I am now one of the best marmalade makers in the world is just amazing,”said Helen.

“Traditionally made, my savoury Moroccan Marmalade is bursting with Moroccan spices that complement the sweetness from the orange, carrot and apricot–the perfect addition to your charcuterie platter and sublime with lamb and fish. It really is a surprise and delight in a jar.”

‘I am so pleased to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. I created this new savoury marmalade in January as part of my World Collection. To also receive further recognition with a Silver, Bronze and commended for my Welsh Whisky Marmalade, Pink Grapefruit & Cranberry Marmalade and Sunrise Marmalade has just confirmed that Black Mountains Preserves makes some of the best marmalade ever, and it is so nice to now have the Awards, to prove it!’

As well as online, Black Mountain’s Preserves marmalade can be purchased at many local retail outlets in and around the Brecon Beacons National Park or at the new Hills Brecon Thursday Food Market..

The Awards are sponsored by Fortnum & Mason and Rathbones and are proud to raise money for palliative care around the world. This year’s key beneficiary is once again Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland, and to date the Awards have raised over £270,000 for palliative care around the world.