A POPULAR marmalade awards will still go ahead, in spite of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The World’s Original Marmalade Awards have taken place every year since 2005 and the award’s organisers are not about to let Coronavirus ruin the fun in 2021.

Although the awards will be different this year, entrants are being encouraged to send their jars as normal through the post.

Results for the sixteenth annual awards will be revealed in June allowing entrants to be judged safely.

Founder Jane Hasell McCosh hopes that the awards taking place this year will give Cumbrians a boost as well as a sense of normality during a turbulent period.

Jane Hasell McCosh says: “Since announcing the awards would return in 2021, we have had such a fantastic reaction from all over the world.

“People are thrilled to be able to participate in something creative after what has been such a difficult year.”

The organisers hope The World’s Original Marmalade Awards are a boost for the hospitality industry in Cumbria.

The results of the Marmalade Awards will be announced on June 20 this year as part of the annual Dalemain Plant fair, which will have a marmalade twist this year.

Winners will once again see their jars for sale in Fortnum & Mason’s iconic Piccadilly store, online and, for the first time, in K11 Atelier, Hong Kong.

Last year, a classic Aylesbury Vale ‘Dark & Chunky’ marmalade wowed the judges, earning Jonathan Hamel Cooke the title of Double Gold ‘Best in Show’ and the chance to see his work commercially produced by Thursday Cottage and sold throughout the year at Fortnum & Mason and Dalemain. Each jar sold meant another 50p for Hospice at Home.

Jane said: “Small artisan producers in particular need championing at the moment, and I know how important our awards are when it comes to promoting their preserves. We therefore feel it is vital to hold the awards this year, as long as we can do so safely.”

All proceeds from the Homemade Marmalade Awards will go to Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland.

In 2019 the marmalade awards raised £23,282.30 for the hospice, making a tangible difference to the lives of Cumbrian families.

The Marmalade Awards which are traditionally held at Dalemain Mansion near Penrith, saw more than 40 countries sending jars for the 2020 competition.

And the organisers continue to innovate in 2021. In response to the ongoing pandemic, the organisers have announced a new category for 2021: ‘Marmalade for a Friend’.

Although the beloved Marmalade Festival cannot take place this March due to the pandemic, organisers have plenty of plans in the works to celebrate National Marmalade Day on March 13.

Entrants from around the world are encouraged to send their products for consideration in the awards by February 10.

Fortnum & Mason’s food hall in Piccadilly remains open for essential goods and they are delighted to be offering a Collection Point, where people can safely take their jars for delivery to Dalemain.

Sarah Metcalf, Grocery Buyer at Fortnum & Mason, said: “I am so pleased that Dalemain has decided to continue with the World Marmalade Awards for 2021. Not only does it allow us to celebrate and support small artisan producers from across the globe during a difficult year, it also means we can continue our search to find the next best marmalade. I cannot wait to start sampling this year’s creations and choosing the winning jar to become the latest addition to the ever-growing Fortnum & Mason marmalade collection.”

To find out more visit www.marmaladeawards.com