Marmite

The question is simple: are you a lover or a hater? Ever since Marmite yeast extract was first introduced to the UK in 1902, it has caused a great divide in Britain.

A savoury experience

Marmite was first introduced into the UK in 1902. Marmite is a nutritious, black, tasty, savoury spread enjoyable on toast or bread or even as a cooking ingredient. It is made from spent brewer’s yeast, that comes in a distinctive black jar with a yellow lid.

Birth of an Icon

Before Louis Pasteur realised that cells contained within yeast were in fact living plants, people simply discarded this by-product of the brewing process. German scientist Liebig then went on to make yeast into a concentrated food product - one that resembled meat extract but was in fact vegetarian.
In 1902, the Marmite Food Company Limited was born and a small factory was opened in Burton-on-Trent. It took a couple of years to perfect the recipe and for the British public to warm to the spread's distinctive taste.

Rich in B vitamins

Following the discover of vitamins in 1912, yeast was found to be a great source of five important 'B' vitamins. As a result Marmite was included in soldiers' ration packs during World War I. It became a dietary supplement in prisoner-of-war camps in World War II and was sent to British peacekeeping forces in Kosovo to boost morale in 1999.

Advertising

Marmite has had a number of heart-warming advertising campaigns over the years, like 'The growing up spread you never grow out of' in the 1970s or the well-known 'My Mate Marmite' ads of the eighties.

The more recent 'Love it or Hate it' campaign was born out of talking to people and discovering that most of them really either love or hate Marmite! A bold move for the brand, it brings the effect of the spread on different people to life.

Most recently, Marmite has teamed up with Paddington Bear, to show how a simple squeeze of Marmite can liven up everyday sandwiches. In the adverts, Paddington Bear can be seen trying Marmite for the very first time, after years of only eating marmalade sandwiches. This campaign stays true to the 'Love and Hate' concept, with Paddington Bear loving the new tasty filling, but not everyone is so enamoured!

"Show your love"

You asked, we listened! People have always been looking for ways to declare their love of Marmite, so we are now proud to give them the opportunity, with our fantastic range of homeware, clothing and artwork.

Show people just how much you love (or hate) the brand by visiting our shop at www.marmiteshop.co.uk

Did you know?

Legend has it that the Marmite name may have derived from the famous French stew 'petite marmite'. A 'marmite' – pronounced 'mar-MEET' – is a French stockpot or cooking pot like the one shown on the jar, and shaped a bit like the jar itself.
Marmite is 100% vegetarian and a rich source of vitamin b12, folic acid and niacin - needed by red bloods cells. One adult serving of Marmite also contains thiamine and riboflavin but has almost zero fat and 10 calories
People in Britain eat over half of the world's yeast extract

Innovation

There are now many ways to get your Marmite taste fix everyday! As well as the traditional spread (in both the glass and squeezy jars), the team at Marmite have been working on a number of snacks flavoured with the nations most loved (and hated!) spread. Check out your local supermarket now for our rice cakes, breadsticks, crisps, cashew nuts and range of cheese products!

For more information on our Marmite product contact 0800 032 3656.