Amble’s ‘Mad Jam Woman’ wins six honours at 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards
An Amble marmalade maker has won six international awards for her unique creations.
Sandy Higson, known as The Mad Jam Woman, has been making jams and marmalades for almost 30 years.
At the recent 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards, Sandy found success as she received a whopping six awards for her spreads.
Although Sandy has won numerous awards in the past, this year she scored a double gold award for her lemon, lime and grapefruit marmalade with samphire, chilli, ginger and cumin, which has been her dream.
"I have been aiming towards this for years,” Sandy said. “I have had gold awards before but never a double so it was a lovely surprise.”
Sandy also won two silver awards for her lime marmalade with tarragon and black pepper and orange marmalade with red onion and smoked garlic, alongside a further two bronze awards and a merit.
Beatrice Hasell-McCosh, director of the awards commented: “It is an exciting moment coming to judge the artisan marmalades every year which are often packed full of innovation and individuality.
“Every jar is judged completely blind by our panel with many jars being passed around the tables to be judged as a group. All the award winners this year make it look very easy to achieve something which we as judges know is very hard to do.
“I know that The Mad Jam Woman will have huge success with her marmalade which was rightly acknowledged as being exceptional in 2026.”
The artisan gold and double gold award winners have the opportunity to take part in a workshop for and receive their awards at a presentation ceremony on Friday, April 24.
The World Marmalade Shop at Dalemain in Cumbria will also stock the winning marmalades throughout the year.
Sandy added: “It is exciting to have won this award against such strong competition from all over the world. We have been making our marmalade for years and it is a great thrill to be recognised among such a strong field.”
The Mad Jam Woman’s marmalades can be purchased online as well as in various shops around Northumberland including Turnbull’s of Alnwick.