Tucked away in the rolling hills of Somerset is a small business producing some of the finest organic jams, chutneys and marmalades around. Hembridge Organics was founded by Kerry Dodd, who is passionate about using local, organic ingredients to create delicious preserves.
Kerry started Hembridge Organics when her son reached school age as a way to work flexible hours around his schedule. She began by running an organic fruit and vegetable box delivery service in Somerset, working closely with local farmers. During the harvest months, Kerry found the farmers would often have a surplus of the same crops. She believed that there must be a way to preserve the bounty of the season!
Together with her husband, Kerry began experimenting with recipes using the fresh organic produce they had on hand. It took a lot of trial and error in the kitchen before they perfected the art of preserve making. After honing in on their favourite selection of flavourful varieties of jams, chutneys and marmalades, the preserves line quickly took off in popularity and Kerry decided to focus her efforts full-time on creating delicious preserves through Hembridge Organics.
The company remains committed to using local, seasonal organic ingredients. They source from organic farmers in the area, only importing organic oranges for their marmalade. Kerry says, "Being organic is important to me as I like to be able to read an ingredients label and know exactly what that ingredient is without having to have a degree in chemistry to decipher it. The Soil Association Certification is an internationally recognised symbol which guarantees the organic provenance of our products and ingredients."
Hembridge Organics' dedication to quality has earned them numerous accolades. In 2017, they won the Soil Association's Best of Organic Market (BOOM) Award for their Organic Plum and Brandy Jam. Their Raspberry Jam won overall category winner at the BOOM Awards in 2019, and their Ale House Chutney won a Great Taste Award the same year. Most recently in 2023, Hembridge Organics were finalists at the BOOM Awards. That's all pretty great for preserves made from produce that nobody wants!
Hembridge Organics has gained national recognition for their commitment to quality organic ingredients. They do not use any artificial pectins or preservatives, just organic cane sugar to naturally sweeten and set the preserves. The savoury chutneys are seasoned with local organic apple cider vinegar. The full product line is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, made with care to retain the essence of the fruits and vegetables.
Next time you are looking for a consciously crafted jam, chutney or marmalade made with heart in the UK, look no further than Hembridge Organics. Their dedication shines through in every flavourful jar.
To celebrate Organic September, Owens Coffee has partnered with Hembridge Organics and a group of other BOOM Award finalists for an exciting giveaway. To find out more about the prize and to enter, click here for your chance to win these organic goodies!
Plus, Hembridge Organics is offering 15% off all products on their website using code JAMMIE15 before the end of October. Visit www.hembridgeorganics.co.uk to stock up on award-winning organic jams and chutneys while the discount lasts!