Founder of World Marmalade Awards, Jane Hasell-McCosh has been presented with The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays by Government of Japan for outstanding contribution to UK/Japan relations.

As the world famous festival of marmalade at Dalemain Mansion heads towards its 20 anniversary, Jane Hasell-McCosh has been honoured by the Japanese Government at a ceremony in London on October 1.

His Excellency Ambassador for Japan to the UK Hajime Hayashi said: “I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations on this esteemed honour for significant contributions which have played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Japan and the United Kingdom through the world marmalade awards and festival as well as through Dalemain Historic House and Gardens. I am deeply respectful and grateful for the efforts of Jane Hasell-McCosh.”

Jane received the award in London at the official residence of the Ambassador of Japan to the UK and it is a continuation of the exciting link between Dalemain, Marmalade and Japan which will be highlighted at the next World Marmalade Festival in April 2025 at Dalemain in Cumbria.

Jane Hasell-McCosh, Founder of the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards: said: “It’s an extraordinary thing to be recognised in this way. I feel extremely proud to be receiving this award which I do so partly on behalf of so many others who volunteered and contributed to both the UK and Japan Festivals & Awards which make them what they are today.

“It has been a huge pleasure to spend time in Japan and visit the Festival in Yawatahama over the past five years since it began and to get to know the team there, led by Mayor Ishiro Oshiro.”

With key dates for the 20 Anniversary Marmalade competition revealed the competition opens on January 1 and entries closing on February 3 ready for the festival on April 26, 2025.

The Japanese Marmalade Festival in Yawatahama will be starting in November along with an Australia Marmalade Festival in Birregurra, starting the same month.

Japan Marmalade Awards follow the same theme as the Dalemain Awards and produce and sell their winner on the same charitable basis.

The 2023 winner of the Japan Awards was Mr Shuichi Yoshida, and his yuzu marmalade is available to buy now at Dalemain, online and at Fortnum & Mason.

The UK competition is open to both Artisans and Homemade entrants.

The Westmorland Family, Rathbones, Lycetts and Fortnum & Mason continue to support the UK Marmalade Awards and enable 100 percent of the entry fee for the Homemade competition to be donated directly to Hospice at Home, Carlisle & North Lakeland.

Fortnum & Mason create the Homemade winner of the competition and sell it in their UK stores with a percentage of each jar going to charity and to date more than £250k has been raised for charity since 2005.