Rhodes Quality’s Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade has earned international recognition, taking home a Gold Award at the prestigious 2026 Dalemain World Marmalade Awards.
The award places Rhodes Quality among some of the world’s finest marmalade makers. This year’s competition attracted more than 3,400 entries from 33 countries, showcasing a remarkable variety of flavours and techniques from across the globe.
Among an eclectic field of creations, including combinations featuring snow fungus, foraged Alexanders, sweet potato and Scotch Bonnet, Rhodes Quality’s Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade stood out for its vibrant flavour and quality, impressing the judges in a fiercely competitive category.
The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards, which host the competition, have grown into a global celebration of marmalade making. What began in 2005 as a small community initiative in England’s Lake District has evolved into a worldwide citrus community of passionate marmalade makers spanning generations. From Taiwan to Brazil, Norway to Northern Ireland, and India to Argentina, the awards bring together producers united by a shared love of this iconic preserve while also raising funds for charity.
An expert international judging panel assessed the entries through a blind tasting process. The panel included Chair of Tourism Ireland Chris Brooke, Tebay, Gloucester and Cairn Lodge Services food buyer Alex Evans, food historian Ivan Day, Seville citrus grower Jose Fraga, and Syrie Gwyn Palmer, grocery buyer for Fortnum & Mason.
The Director of the Awards, Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, says the judging process highlights the craftsmanship behind exceptional marmalade. “It is an exciting moment coming to judge the Artisan marmalades every year, which are often packed with innovation and individuality. Every jar is judged completely blind by our panel, and while the winners make it look easy, achieving this level of quality is incredibly difficult. Rhodes Quality’s marmalade was rightly recognised as exceptional.”
For Rhodes Quality, the recognition reflects the brand’s rich heritage in jams and marmalades.
Maria Soares, Head of Marketing at RFG Foods, says the award is a proud moment for the South African brand. “Rhodes Quality has its roots in jam and marmalade making, and we are known for producing delicious, high-quality products. To receive a Gold Award at the World Marmalade Awards, against such strong competition from around the world, is an exciting achievement for our team.”
With its distinctive citrus character and vibrant taste, Rhodes Quality Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade brings a fresh twist to a beloved pantry staple, whether enjoyed on warm toast at breakfast, paired with baked treats, or used to add brightness to desserts.
The full list of award-winning marmalades is available at www.marmaladeawards.com, with the annual Marmalade Festival taking place on 25 April 2026.
Notes to Editors:
For further information, please contact:
Thomas Weeden, RFG Foods at [email protected]
About Rhodes Quality
A well-loved South African brand, Rhodes Quality, is committed to sealing freshness and flavour into every product, delivering goodness and taste across their range. From the way they farm and source their ingredients, to the way they pack goodness into every can, jar and juice box, their range of products is packed with wholesome nourishment, ready to be delivered to your table.
The Rhodes Quality goal is to enable and inspire their consumers to enjoy delicious meals with quality ingredients, convenience and innovation, making sure every meal is packed with tasty goodness.
They choose nature’s quality ingredients and seal in the freshness, offering tasty and convenient ways to serve up dishes your family and friends will love. From their wide range of Canned Tomatoes and Veg, to their juicy Canned Fruit, delicious Jams, 100% Fruit Juice, Beetroot, Gherkins and more, Rhodes Quality brings inspiration and delicious goodness to every meal.
Rhodes Quality. Go with Goodness.
Rhodes Quality Ruby Grapefruit Marmalade can be purchased from South Africa’s leading retailers, such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite and Spar.
What are the Awards?
The Dalemain World Marmalade Awards were founded in 2005 to help to preserve, grow and widen one of the most British of customs – marmalade making. From small beginnings they have grown into an internationally recognized event. The Awards have sister festivals in both Japan and Australia.
The Awards have humour and a life of their own and have inspired people from all over the world to get involved. Every year around 3,000 jars of marmalade are sent from countries as far away as Hawaii, New Zealand, South Korea, Botswana, Japan, Australia and Georgia, while the Artisan Marmalade competition has helped to promote small producers around the world. Judged by a small panel of experts, Dalemain roundels denote marmalade of exemplary quality.
At the heart of the Awards & Festival is Dalemain Mansion, a Georgian stately home lived in by the same family for over 300 years and the holder of a rich collection of early marmalade recipes. Visitors to the mansion can purchase a range of the finest Artisan Gold winning marmalades, as well as the Double Gold Homemade Winner, which is commercially produced and sold at Dalemain and Fortnum & Mason throughout the year. A portion of jar sales from the Homemade winning marmalade is given to Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland and the winner can also direct funds towards their chosen charity.
The Homemade Awards are sponsored by Fortnum & Mason, Westmorland Family, Adfin and Lycetts and are proud to raise money for palliative care around the world. To date the Awards have raised over £350,000 for palliative care around the world and for Hospice at Home Carlisle & North Lakeland and large amount of other Hospice charities worldwide.
For further information on the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards contact:
X – @MarmaladeAwards
Instagram – @MarmaladeAwards
Facebook – WorldMarmaladeAwards
Nicole Felix
The Phoenix Partnership
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (+27) 021 686 2331
Mobile:(+27) 082 733 8696
Website: www.phoenixpartnership.co.za