World Jampionships for global spread

Categories for World Jampion to  include home made, artisan and Junior Jampion

The search for the world’s “Berry Best” jam maker is to be launched in the very heart of Scotland’s soft fruit growing area.

To encourage jam makers of the future the Jampionships will also be looking for a ‘Junior Jampion’ – younger children will be asked to invent their “Dream Jam” and design its own special label.  As their prize, they will receive a batch of the jam label attached!”

Behind the competition is the Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association’s (BEPTA) Love to Eat – Food Heritage Project, which has chosen the area’s famous raspberry to test jam makers and showcase wonderful fresh Scottish produce.

“Love To Eat” Project Co-ordinator Tracey Baxter said that the initiative supports BEPTA's overall aim of promoting East Perthshire as a year-round, sustainable, quality tourism destination.

“We aim to promote excellent service, locally-sourced food, quality producers and produce, and eating establishments in Blairgowrie and East Perthshire” she said.

One of the competition organisers, Kay McClement, said that the area’s mighty berry fields have some of the best quality soft fruit in the UK.

“Many people remember coming to “the Berries”, and we hope that this competition will make people think of those days again and remember the area for its fantastic fruit and welcoming people.

“Most families have a favourite jam maker, and we would like to see those people get the recognition they deserve, and also tempt newcomers to try their hand at jam making.

“Now we want people to get their pans at the ready and start filling their kitchens with the sweet smell of success, and jam, of course!” said Kay.

Willie Macleod of Scottish Preserves, who has also been instrumental in organising the competition, said:

“We are looking for the best jams from home and abroad, and the winners will be chosen from the categories of Homemade, Artisan, and Hotel/Restaurant/B&B.  One of them will be crowned overall “World Jampion“.

“To encourage jam makers of the future we will also be looking for a ‘Junior Jampion’; younger children are being asked to invent their “Dream Jam” and design its own special label.  As their prize, I will produce a batch of the jam for them, label attached!”

The competition is to be launched in Blairgowrie on June 30th  by well known chef Jacqueline O’Donnell, of the acclaimed Sisters restaurants in Glasgow.

She said that the restaurant waits patiently each year for Perthshire’s fantastic soft fruits.

“The berries are used throughout our menu – we don’t have to keep them just for pudding” she said.

Enthusiasts of all ages can take part, and the competition will be judged by a prestigious panel including Lady Claire MacDonald. The winners will be announced at this year’s Dundee Flower and Food Festival, which will attract over 25,000 visitors between September 2-4.

In addition a celebration of the “Jampionships” will be held at Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games on September 4th.

The closing date for the competition is August 16th, and entry forms and further information can be found at http://www.worldjamawards.co.uk

The overall aims of “Love to Eat” project are;

• Improve local economy – economic returns to businesses and individuals by improving food quality and service and adding value
• Improved social enterprise sector
• Improve collaborative working – enhancing cultural identity and awareness on food products.  Aim to improve food standard, service, quality and nutrition.  Reduce food miles and encourage improved food tourism
• Improve local skills – Schools, small producers, food processors and food retailers
• Improve visitor experience – enhanced experience in terms of quality of product and level of service.
• Enhanced cultural heritage and historic environment of the area – food provenance

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011, special offers HERE