MEDIA RELEASE
Family-owned Mackays Ltd, the UK’s leading producer and exporter of Dundee Orange Marmalade, has announced its sponsorship of the 2016 Word Marmalade Awards near Penrith, the UK’s celebration of all things marmalade.
The Arbroath based preserve specialist, which produces a range of jams, chutneys, relishes and other condiments in addition to its signature Dundee marmalade, has pledged its support to the event for the fourth year running, ensuring Scotland’s marmalade producing heritage and prowess is well represented at the awards, which take place on 19th & 20th March 2016.
The Keiller Family from Dundee are attributed with bringing marmalade to the commercial market in the 18th century by marketing their ‘Dundee Marmalade’ as a breakfast condiment.
Mackays is the only remaining producer of Dundee Marmalade in the region, exporting it to 78 countries worldwide, and continues to use traditional methods – using the finest ingredients, cooked in small batches using traditional copper pans to deliver a homemade taste.
As part of its involvement, Mackays will sponsor three of the festivals 14 categories, including the most popular and hard fought ‘Seville Orange Marmalade’ Category.
In total around 700 jars of marmalade will be entered, with a portion of each entry fee going to the Marie Curie hospice nearest the entrant’s address.
Martin Grant, managing director of Mackays Ltd said: “Our reason for being involved in this event is that we want to champion this incredible industry, both the commercial and artisan side of it. The awards bring together everyone who loves marmalade, no matter what their background is, and we all have the same goal – to drive high standards and help people discover or rediscover their love for marmalade, and find out just how versatile this zesty preserve, which has a proud heritage, really is.”
Jane Hasell-McCosh, Founder of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards, said: “Dalemain and Mackays continue to champion marmalade around the world, and as we enter our second decade and embrace new orange horizons we are delighted to see the ever increasing numbers of international entrants from as far flung places as Australia, India, the Caribbean and Japan. Mackays’ continued support is invaluable to the success of the Awards and Festival.”
/ends
