LOCAL preserve maker Foxhill Farm Preserves is celebrating having beaten entrants from more than 40 countries to receive a prestigious gold award at the 14th World’s Original Marmalade Awards.

Helen Lloyd set up Foxhill Preserves at St Dogmaels in 2008 and said: “We are based on our organic farm, I produce jam, marmalade and chutney which I sell at the award-winning St Dogmaels local producers’ market every Tuesday morning and through a number of local shops

Helen scooped a gold and a silver award for her lime and lemon and lime marmalades in the artisan competition at the annual event held at Dalemain Mansion in the Lake District, which impressed judges with its appearance, colour, consistency, aroma and flavour.

Thousands of entrants took part from as far afield as Colombia, Kenya, Ecuador, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

“I am so pleased to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. At the award ceremony I met incredibly talented makers from Japan and Taiwan, Canada and Austria and had an opportunity to taste some very impressive marmalades,” said Helen.

“I have been making our marmalade for 11 years and have always had great feedback from customers but it is reassuring to have people like Pam Corbin, a producer that I have long admired, give her seal of approval.

“I entered two flavours into the competition and won gold and silver, just missing the second gold by one mark.”

The Artisan judges for 2019 were a prestigious panel of food industry experts, including Fortnum & Mason grocery buyer Sophie Walker, Waitrose consultant and chocolatier Will Torrent, Thursday Cottage founder Pam ‘the Jam’ Corbin and longstanding awards patron Dan Lepard, food writer and baking guru.

Jane Hasell-McCosh, founder of the awards, said: “Every year the number of international entrants and visitors grows, and we are so privileged in such polarising times to be part of something that truly unites people.

“A love of marmalade, citrus and food heritage has brought together so many people and it is truly wonderful to welcome friends old and new and to see our marmalade community grow.

“The gold winners this year have been some of the best we have ever tasted and we are sure they will go from success to success with their products.”