Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh announced on May 14 that Old California Botanicals has been named the 2026 Senate District 19 Small Business of the Year, recognizing the company’s dedication to preserving California’s citrus heritage through artisan craftsmanship and innovation.
The award highlights the importance of small businesses in maintaining local traditions and supporting community pride. Old California Botanicals, based in Redlands, produces small-batch citrus marmalades and botanical goods inspired by Southern California’s historic groves. The company was founded by John P. Beall, a fifth-generation citrus grower and produce broker, who works closely with generational farmers and specialty growers across distinctive microclimates in California.
“Old California Botanicals represents the entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural legacy that make our region so special,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Their dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and honoring California’s citrus history has earned them recognition both locally and internationally. I am proud to recognize them as Senate District 19’s Small Business of the Year.”
The company is known for crafting each batch of marmalade to highlight unique flavors from rare heirloom cultivars grown in specialized climates. This approach aims to celebrate each harvest’s character while promoting quality products rooted in local agriculture.
“Some of the best citrus in the world grows on family farms in the California Citrus Belt. California citrus is a robust, innovative tradition that has been going strong for 200 years,” said John P. Beall, Founder of Old California Botanicals. “Old California Botanicals is proud to participate in this tradition. We are proud to preserve and honor it in everything we do. We are so honored to have been recognized and appreciative of everything Senator Ochoa Bogh does for citrus growers and farmers in her district and across the state.”
In addition to its marmalades, Old California Botanicals makes fragrances, beeswax lip balms, soaps made from local oranges, and other botanical goods aimed at introducing classic flavors to new generations.
The company recently received eight medals at the 2026 Artisan World Marmalade Awards held in the United Kingdom—an event featuring over 3,400 entries from more than thirty countries—highlighting international recognition for their work.
Each year, small businesses like Old California Botanicals are honored by the State Senate for strengthening communities and contributing to economic growth.
