The founder of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards receives the Foreign Minister’s Commendation at the Embassy of Japan.
Jane Hasell-McCosh, founder of the World’s Original Marmalade Awards, was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation at a presentation on Monday 9th December at the Embassy of Japan in the UK. The Award recognises her achievement in strengthening and developing the bonds of friendship between Japan and the UK through marmalade and citrus fruits.
Jane Hasell-McCosh was presented with the award at the Embassy by the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom Yasumasa Nagamine, at an event attended by patrons and sponsors.
This commendation was given to honour Jane for her works including launching a Marmalade Awards in Ehime, Japan, in 2019. The International Awards and Festival are held annually at her home Dalemain Mansion in Cumbria. The inspiration came when Jane realised that there were a number of Japanese entries and was inspired to create a sister event in Japan, to celebrate their local citrus industry and wonderfully creative flavours. The festival was developed with the support of the Embassy of Japan and the Yawatahama City Government. It has been a huge success, with over 1,600 entries received from over 42 prefectures. Hundreds of entries are also received each year from Japan into the World Marmalade Awards, with one of the coveted Double Gold prizes awarded in 2019 to a delicious Yuzu marmalade from Tokyo.
Jane Hasell-McCosh said: ‘It was a huge honour to receive this commendation, and I must thank the Embassy of Japan and the Japanese Government for this award. It recognises the power of marmalade to bring people together around the world, and I have been delighted and proud to see the Festival develop in Yawatahama, Ehime. This commendation is also a tribute to the wonderful team of volunteers who work so hard every year and have ensured that the Festival has gone from strength to strength both at Dalemain and now in Japan.’
As well as developing the Japanese Marmalade Awards, Jane has also been involved in the Sakura Cherry Tree project, which celebrates a new era of UK-Japan friendship and co-operation. The project plans to plant thousands of cherry trees in parks, schools and public places as part of the UK-Japan season of culture. As part of this trail, cherry trees will be planted at Dalemain Mansion. Jane was delighted to attend the Sakura Cherry Tree Planting Ceremony at Regent’s Park, which saw the first formal planting of the 6,500 cherry trees, in the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester and Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine.
Plans are already underway for the 2020 Marmalade Awards & Festivals, which will take place at Dalemain on 14th & 15th March and in Yawatahama on 16th & 17th May. Both events will be a celebration of citrus and marmalade across all cultures. The winners of both competitions will be commercially produced by sponsors Fortnum & Mason, and sold in their famous Piccadilly store.
For more information about the World’s Original Marmalade Awards & Festival, visit: https://www.dalemain.com/marmalade-awards/
For more information about the Japanese Marmalade Awards & Festival, visit: http://marmalade-festival.jp/en/
