The Washington Navel orange — the seedless variety that Eliza Tibbets first planted on Central Avenue in 1873 and that made Riverside the wealthiest city per capita in the nation by 1895 — just won a silver medal at one of the world's most competitive marmalade competitions. And the people who made it happen are regular faces at the Riverside Citrus Heritage Festival.
Old California Botanicals, founded by fifth-generation citrus grower John P. Beall and based just over the hill in Redlands, earned eight medals at the 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards, held annually at Dalemain House in Penrith, England. The competition drew more than 3,400 entries from over 33 countries, and only a handful of American producers medal each year.
The company's Redlands Navel Orange marmalade took the top prize of the haul — a Silver Award — with Bronze Awards going to the Eureka Lemon and Minneola Tangelo marmalades, and Merit Awards for the Valencia Orange. Every jar submitted earned two medals: one in the general category and one in the Savoury category, which recognizes preserves designed to complement savory dishes.
For Beall, the win carries particular meaning for Riverside. His award-winning navel orange marmalade is made from a variety the city famously cultivated into one of California's defining agricultural exports. His Meyer Lemon marmalade is also made from fruit harvested from a small family operation in Riverside's Victoria neighborhood.
"It is exciting to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world," Beall said. "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."
Old California Botanicals has been a popular fixture at the Riverside Citrus Heritage Festival for several years, and its marmalades are available locally at all Clark's Nutrition and Natural Foods Market locations.
Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, Director of the Awards, praised the company's entries. "I know that Old California Botanicals will have huge success with their marmalade, which was rightly acknowledged as being exceptional in 2026," she said.
The Artisan World Marmalade Awards were founded in 2005 to preserve and promote the tradition of marmalade making. The awards have grown into an internationally recognized competition with sister festivals in Japan and Australia.
More information: Old California Botanicals' marmalades are available online at oldcaliforniabotanicals.com and at Clark's Nutrition and Natural Foods Market locations across the area.
