BEHIND THE CRAFT
image

The Merchants Mark

Soon after its creation, the company began to use a ‘balemark,’ which identified The Company’s products as they arrived in busy ports or were sold on the trading floor.

Initially a simple mark, this evolved by the 1700s into a heart shaped figure [denoting ‘good luck’] surmounted by a figure four (symbolising Agnus Dei – ‘Lamb of God’] and containing the initials of the company.

This symbol became known as “the chop” a word derived from the Hindi छाप ćhāp – which means stamp.

The chop was not only an easily identifiable mark of The East India Company ownership, for example on tea crates, it also became a symbol of the quality.

The Merchant’s Mark is still used today on all our products, now as then, the distinctive mark of The Company and of quality.

FGCN10143

Victoria Plum Extra Jam

Packed with Victoria plums, this rich and luscious jam is teeming with the flavour of the classic English fruit. Enjoy with hot buttered toast and a cup of our Royal Breakfast tea.

The East India Company - Lifestyle

Food and Beverages

-
+
£8.00
This classic and sumptious English preserve of Victoria Plums is one of our favourites.

Named of course after Queen Victoria (1819–1901), who has a very important place in the history of The East India Company, as she became Empress of India after The Company was dissolved in the 1870s.

The variety was first discovered in Sussex during her reign, and today is undoubtedly England's favourite and most famous plum. It's a small fruit, quite plump and purple in colour when ripe. In the absence of other evidence, perhaps this is why the plum was named after Her Majesty.

Ingredients

Sugar (67%), Victoria Plums (part stoned)(45%), Gelling Agent: Pectin (Pectin E440, Dextrose), Citric Acid.


Allergens

See ingredients in bold. Made in factory that handles nuts, milk and lactose. Although every care has been taken, fruit stalk and stone may be present. May contain traces of these allergens.

Nutrition

Typical values 100g – Energy 957kj/225kcal | Fat 0g, of which saturates 0g | Carbohydrate 63g, of which sugars 63g | Protein 0.2g | Salt 0g


Storage

Store cool and dry, once opened refrigerate and consume within 1 month.

Suitable for vegetarians.

Stories

The Story of Marmalade

Paddington Bear and the officers of the original East India Company had one thing in common – a love of marmalade on voyage.

Britain has long been famous for its marmalade. A breakfast tradition, in fact it dates back to Tudor times when it was a paste-like preserve made of quinces, brought to Britain by the Portuguese – the origin of the word being ‘marmelo’ or quince paste.

It was the Keillers in Dundee who in 1790 converted the whole Seville orange cargo of a Spanish ship taking refuge from a storm, into a tangy preserve and so established the ‘modern’ marmalade industry.
Whilst the purpose of the intrepid East India officers voyages to India and beyond was to trade and bring back new and exotic delights, they also took some home comforts with them with lasting legacy.

Marmalade made with Seville oranges was one of those home luxuries that travelled west to east, and is now enjoyed to this day in India, becoming a part of the breakfast tradition.

Today, a perfect breakfast accompaniment or to pop between 2 slices of white, under the hat.

Our spirit delivers no ordinary products

  • Delivery & Returns

    UK Standard Delivery: £3.95
    UK Next Day Delivery (mainland UK only): £9.95 (Order before 12pm)
    International Delivery is available, please see our delivery page for details. For more information and Terms & Conditions, please see our Delivery page.

  • Reviews

£185.00 £185.00