Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 6:16
Key Takeaways
Redlands-based Old California Botanicals continues to turn heads on the global stage, securing top honors at one of the world's most prestigious culinary competitions. The small-batch producer recently celebrated multiple victories at the 2026 Dalemain World Marmalade Awards held in England, marking a significant milestone for local agricultural craftsmanship.
The 2026 Dalemain competition attracted over 3,400 entries from more than 30 countries. Among the fierce global field, Old California Botanicals stood out by earning medals across multiple categories. Each of the four submitted products received separate honors in both the general and savory categories.
The lineup secured a silver award for the Redlands Navel Orange marmalade, bronze awards for the Eureka Lemon and Minneola Tangelo varieties, and merit awards for the Valencia Orange blend. A distinguished panel of judges evaluated the entries, including industry leaders like Chris Brooke of Tourism Ireland and food historian Ivan Day.
It is exciting to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. Some of the best citrus in the world grows in California and in Redlands, and our proprietary methods are tailored to showcase our unique microclimate, said founder John P. Beall.
Beall, a 2010 Redlands High School graduate and vice president of the Redlands Area Historical Society, leads the operation with a focus on heritage and quality. His work extends beyond product development into active civic engagement. In January, he competed in the national semifinals of the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet in Anaheim, becoming the first representative from Redlands and San Bernardino County to reach that national level.
His advocacy highlights pressing regional issues, particularly the impacts of urban sprawl on local farmland and strategies for improving communication between policymakers and members through digital platforms. These efforts earned him the top award in the California Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers & Ranchers discussion meet last December.
Building on his competitive success, Beall was honored with the 2026 Senate District 19 Small Business of the Year award by State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. The recognition underscores the entrepreneurial drive that fuels Southern California's agricultural sector.
Old California Botanicals represents the entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural legacy that make our region so special. Their dedication to quality, craftsmanship and honoring California’s citrus history has earned them recognition both locally and internationally, noted Senator Ochoa Bogh.
Consumers can now purchase these internationally acclaimed marmalades at several local retailers. They are available at the Museum of Redlands gift shop, Gerrards Market, and Feel Good Market. Additional Southern California locations are listed on the company's official website.
This latest round of accolades reinforces Redlands' standing as a hub for artisanal food production. As the Museum of Redlands prepares for its October grand opening, the presence of these locally crafted goods highlights the enduring connection between community heritage and modern entrepreneurship.
