A brief history of Marmite

The basic raw material used in the manufacture of MARMITE is spent brewer's yeast, a substance whose original and only use was to ferment sugars into alcohol. For many years this by-product of the brewing process was seen as a nuisance rather than potentially valuable food source. However in 1680, a Dutch scientist, Leouwenhoek, examined this yeast under a microscope and saw that it was composed of tiny spherical and ovoid cells. The French scientist, Louis Pasteur, realised that these cells were in fact living plants. Further investigation by a German chemist, Leibig, found that this yeast could be made into a concentrated food product, which resembled extract of meat in appearance, smell and colour, however was vegetarian.

A number of people tried to manufacture this yeast extract for commercial purposes, but with little success. This changed in 1902, when the Marmite Food Company Limited, was formed. This company was committed to producing a perfected form of yeast extract for popular consumption. They rented a disused malt house in Burton-on-Trent for the modest sum of 100.00 pounds a year and set to work.

However, it was found that the yeast they were producing from British beer did not lend itself to the same treatment of continental yeast where methods of fermentation were markedly different. New machinery had to be brought in and a series of changes in the manufacturing process were implemented before a satisfactory yeast extract product was ready to market.

It took time to bowl over the British public with the distinctive taste of MARMITE. Gradually however, the business expanded. The freehold of the malt house was purchased and operations were extended to meet growing demand. Eventually a second site was obtained in London, and the company consolidated production at a new green field site at Burton-on-Trent.

The discovery of vitamins in 1912, boosted the popularity of MARMITE, when it was realised that yeast provided a good source of five B vitamins. Its healthy proposition meant that greater quantities of MARMITE were consumed in hospitals, schools and institutions, with tons dispatched to war-torn counties overseas. During both the World Wars, MARMITE was served to soldiers on military duty and was used to combat outbreaks of beri-beri and other diseases. During the Second World War, MARMITE became a valued dietary supplement in prisoner-of-war camps.

Both the MARMITE product and packaging have undergone few changes since the turn of the century. MARMITE stock cubes were launched in a distinctive green tin during the 1920's, but this brand extension was eventually dropped to concentrate on the increasingly popular paste product.

Since 1934, following the death of the first chairman of the company that produced MARMITE, both the MARMITE and BOVRIL brands have enjoyed a close association, leading to Marmite Limited becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bovril Limited. Further changes of ownership ensued and in 1990, CPC (United Kingdom) Limited took over both the BOVRIL and MARMITE brands.

Sourced from : Accomodata

More Marmite Love & Hate

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I used to love Marmite, until it gave me a yeast infection. Joe Bristol i bought some cheese like babybel wit marmite in it in scotland i havent seen them since where do i get them???? shaun glos. Marmite and peanut butter sandwhiches rule!!!! Lou Marmite and banana sarnies = delish! Katie I luv marmite especially with cheese in sandwiches and toasties. I tried Vegemite once, its vile! Catowman I have to say, I used to have it at school with strawberry jam and it's fab! Only works with strawberry though- no rasberry! Laura Brighton I like to grab a fingerfull from the jar & suck itwhenever I feel like a savory fix. Dave F Essex Marmite is really good in gravies, casseroles, etc. But if the characteristic Marmite-y taste is too obtrusive, then a small pinch of sage will balance it out. Liz Parkhurst Oi Robert, I'm ASIAN, and damn I love cheddar. And I wasn't born in OZ, so that's got nothing to do with me liking cheddar. Vegemite should be illegal. It's ****. Marmite all the way. eunice WA Hi there :) There's another yeast extract spread. This time of continental origin. The manufacturer has a website here: http://www.vitam.de/english/index.html The spread is called Vitam-R. I never liked it but for Marmite-Lovers it might be interesting to try :) Somebody asked if Marmite is gluten free. Vitam-R definitely is gluten free and I guess Marmite is so. Cheers, Christian Christian Germany Seems to me that Marmite and Vegemite are indeed Kin :D, the comment about the Americans is a good indicator as well as the War time usage, but unlike some previous posts I am not here to sell another product, just to say that, Down Under, the price of most marmite like products is insultingly high, but I am glad to see that Marmite comes in a plastic jar, keeping the cost down. good move, we pay too much as it is especially with fuel costs added to Shelf prices. Rodger Phillips Australia (Down Under) bumflapping bencoing good benco moldovia The idea that all Yanks hate Marmite couldn't be further from reality. I think it all has to do with one's tolerance to savoury foods. Cheddar is reviled by Asians, but loved in the west. I don't see Marmite as an aquired taste. It's one of those first impression things. It all comes down to your taste-buds. It's not whether you love or hate it. In fact, it's the other way around. Does it love or hate you? Robert Love marmite , great on toast , good on salad sandwiches and good in beans yum yum Carol Broadhurst cheshire Back in College, 3 British exchange students turned me on to Marmite. I was the only American in the group who even thought it was "ok". It wasn't till an hour of after-taste that I asked for another sample just to be sure, again,...and again. Upon departure, they gifted me with a jar, and Knighted me an Honorary Britt. Adrian Reyes Houston, Texas its competly yuk and jus plain nasty. raju I Love Marmite, My husband Loves Marmite,My kids Love Marmite, My parents Love Marmite, My grandmother Loves Marmite..... we love Marmite... yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Rosie Norfolk Stunning!! Nothing like it spread on toast with a cup of tea!! WOW!! Grant Marmite on buttered toast topped with cheese and beans....my favourite....and marmite roast potatoes are also good!! Rachel i think marmite has a weird taste to it, but with STRAWBERRY JAM mixed with it, IT'S DELISIOUS!!!!!mmmmm...... Tinz Rotorua rubbish Kim I love it with cheese toast!! I hate it with buttered toast!! Sagar Canterbury i love marmite! woooooooohooooooooooo! oh yes...it rocks! hazelle marmiteville