Marmite returns to the retail shelves

Sanitarium's Marmite will soon be back on sale in Australia following a break of almost two years, after production was halted by the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

The spread returned to NZ shelves in March and the first shipment of Marmite is on its way to Australia and is slated to be on sale in Australian supermarkets from 1 October.

Sanitarium processes the yeast extract spread for the entire South Pacific region in New Zealand, and following the earthquakes, the factory was forced to suspend production to allow for major repair works.

Todd Saunders, general manager of Sanitarium Australia, thanked consumers and retailers for their patience during the supply shortage.

“Demand for Marmite is strong and we have been amazed to see the level of passion that the product inspires in the hearts of both Australians and New Zealanders who have been clamouring to get their hands on fresh supplies,” he said.

Marmite was first manufactured for commercial purposes in 1902 in England. Sanitarium introduced Australia to Marmite in the early 1900s when it began importing and distributing the English version.

According to its maker, the Marmite brand has deep links with Australia and an amazing history which includes helping to fortify British soldiers and keeping prisoners of war alive.

“During World War I, the nation faced its first shortage when the British army commandeered the entire supply, so when World War II broke out, Sanitarium secured the recipe and began producing Marmite locally,” Sanitarium Australia's general marketing manager, Daniel Derrick, said.

Marmite is the only yeast extract spread to contain iron in the Australian market, according to Sanitarium.