Marmite, a breakfast staple in New Zealand, is flying off the grocery shelves…that is, if there’s any on the shelves to be found.
Marmite is a sticky, black sandwich spread made from yeast extract. And don’t even suggest to the Kiwis that they consume the British version. It’s just not the same! The New Zealand product includes sugar and caramel and is high in potassium. And no, Australian Vegemite won’t do either.
Marmite is produced by the Sanitarium Health Food Company, and the sole manufacturing plant is in Christchurch, New Zealand. The plant was damaged last year in an earthquake, and production is not expected to resume until July of this year, when either the factory will be repaired, or the production line will be moved.
What’s to be done? New Zealanders are being urged to spread their Marmite on toast, as it will spread further on the warm surface than it would on bread. It is also being suggested that they ration their use to only a few times a week rather than daily.
What would send Americans into a similar frenzy? Will we be stocking up on Wonder Bread, Twinkies and Sno Balls due to the bankruptcy of Hostess?