Lexi Webster
Marmite is a savoury spread that is extremely popular in the UK. It was invented in the 19th century and has been manufactured in the UK since 1902. There is also a version of Marmite made in New Zealand, which is sold in Australia and New Zealand as 'Our Mate' due to the existence of a local product with the same name. In 2015, there were calls for the Australian government to ban Vegemite, the Australian version of Marmite, as it was being used to produce illicit alcohol in remote indigenous communities. However, the Australian Prime Minister ruled out a ban, and no such legislation has been passed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Marmite illegal in Australia? | No, it is not illegal. |
| Why was it considered illegal? | Vegemite, the Australian version of Marmite, was being used to produce illicit alcohol. |
| What was the government's decision? | The Australian government decided not to introduce a control on Vegemite sales. |
| What did the supporters of the ban say? | Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion suggested sales should be limited as children were missing school due to hangovers and the ale produced was a factor in domestic violence cases. |
| What did the critics of the ban say? | Dr. John Boffa of the People's Alcohol Action Coalition said the problem was not widespread and that it was an isolated problem in a few communities. |
| What is the history of Marmite in Australia? | The original Marmite recipe was interrupted during World War I, leading to the creation of Vegemite in the early 1920s. Sanitarium, a health food company, acquired the exclusive right to distribute Marmite in Australia in 1908. |
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What You'll Learn
Australian Marmite is called Vegemite
Marmite is a savoury spread that originated in England and is now sold worldwide. It was invented in the 19th century by a German scientist who discovered that brewer's yeast could be concentrated, bottled, and eaten. The product was first manufactured in a factory in England in 1902 and soon became popular due to its high vitamin B content. During World War I, it was included in British soldiers' rations and played a role in treating malnutrition in other parts of the world.
In Australia and New Zealand, the situation is a little more complicated due to the existence of similar products with different names. The Australian product Vegemite, often referred to as "Australian Marmite," was developed in the early 1920s due to shortages of Marmite exports to Australia during World War I. Vegemite is now considered an iconic Australian culinary product, distributed in many countries. However, it is distinct from the original British Marmite, with some claiming that it tastes completely different.
Due to the existence of Vegemite, European Marmite is sold under the name "Our Mate" in Australia and New Zealand to avoid confusion. Additionally, New Zealand has its own variation of Marmite, manufactured under license since 1919, which is sold as Marmite in Australasia and the Pacific Islands but not in other parts of the world.
In recent years, Vegemite has faced potential legal issues in Australia due to its use in the production of illicit alcohol in some remote indigenous communities. However, the Australian government decided against introducing controls on Vegemite sales, and it remains a popular and widely available product in the country.
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Vegemite is used to make moonshine
Vegemite, the Australian equivalent of Marmite, has been used to make moonshine. The process involves using the yeast in Vegemite to brew alcohol. However, the likelihood of successfully producing alcohol from Vegemite is slim, as fermentation experts explain that the yeast in Vegemite is likely dead due to the autolysis process and heating during the manufacturing of the spread.
Despite this, there have been concerns about the use of Vegemite in the creation of moonshine, particularly in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. The Indigenous Affairs Minister, Nigel Scullion, claimed that the spread was being used as an ingredient in home brewing, leading to issues such as children missing school due to hangovers and an increase in domestic violence cases. As a result, Scullion recommended restricting Vegemite sales in these communities.
The controversy surrounding Vegemite moonshine has sparked debates about the potential ban of the spread in Australia. Critics of the ban argue that the issue is isolated to a few communities and should not impact the majority of Australians who consume Vegemite as a nutritious food product. Prime Minister Tony Abbott ruled out a ban, stating that he did not want to create a "Vegemite watch."
While the effectiveness of using Vegemite to make moonshine is questionable, the concerns raised highlight the challenges faced by certain communities in Australia regarding substance abuse and the impact it can have on individuals and society. The situation also draws attention to the cultural significance of Vegemite in Australia and the need to balance public health concerns with the rights of individuals to consume certain products.
In conclusion, while Vegemite may not be the ideal ingredient for moonshine production, its perceived association with negative consequences has led to discussions about potential regulatory actions and the complexities surrounding substance abuse and cultural norms.
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The Australian government will not ban Vegemite
The Australian government has decided against imposing restrictions on Vegemite sales, despite concerns that the spread is being used to produce illicit alcohol in remote indigenous communities. Vegemite, a yeast extract spread similar to Marmite, has been a staple in Australia since the early 1920s. It was developed by chemist and food technologist Cyril Callister due to shortages of Marmite exports during World War I.
In recent years, there have been reports of Vegemite being purchased in bulk and used to brew moonshine, particularly in communities with alcohol restrictions or bans. This has led to concerns about the social impact of this practice, with Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion suggesting that children were missing school due to hangovers and that the resulting ale was a factor in domestic violence cases.
However, the Australian government, including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, has rejected calls for a ban on Vegemite sales. Dr John Boffa of the People's Alcohol Action Coalition has supported this decision, stating that the issue is isolated and not widespread across the nation. He emphasized the diversity of Aboriginal communities and the need for meaningful employment opportunities rather than restrictive measures.
While Vegemite's role in illicit alcohol production is concerning, the Australian government's decision to not implement a ban considers the broader context and the product's cultural significance. It highlights the complex nature of addressing social issues, particularly in indigenous communities, where a nuanced approach is necessary to balance different needs and priorities.
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British Marmite is sold as 'Our Mate' in Australia
Marmite is a savoury spread that originated in England. It was first manufactured in a factory in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England, in 1902. The product became successful enough to warrant the construction of a second factory in Camberwell Green, London, by 1907. Marmite was included in British soldiers' rations during World War I.
In Australia and New Zealand, a similar product called Vegemite was developed in the early 1920s due to shortages of Marmite exports to Australia caused by the First World War. Vegemite is now considered an Australian culinary icon.
There is also an Australian-made Marmite, produced by Sanitarium, which holds the exclusive right to distribute Marmite in Australia and New Zealand since 1908. However, British Marmite is still available in these countries under the label "Our Mate". This is because the name "Marmite" is already in use for the local product.
In 2015, there were calls to ban Vegemite in Australia as it was being used to produce illicit alcohol in some remote indigenous communities. However, the Australian government decided against introducing controls on sales of Vegemite, and Prime Minister Tony Abbott ruled out a ban on the spread.
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![Marmite 125g (South Africa) by Unilever Bestfoods UK [Foods]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81uUrjAHIBL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Sanitarium holds the exclusive rights to distribute Marmite in Australia
Marmite is commonly used as a flavouring and is known for its savoury taste. It was originally manufactured in a factory in England in 1902 and was exported to New Zealand. In 1908, a health food company, Sanitarium, acquired the exclusive right to distribute Marmite in New Zealand and Australia.
Sanitarium began manufacturing Marmite in Christchurch under license in 1918 after World War I interrupted its supply from England. Marmite was included in soldiers' rations during the war. In 1920, Sanitarium registered the Marmite trademark in New Zealand and has held it ever since.
In New Zealand, Marmite is manufactured under license but with a different recipe. It is the only one sold as Marmite in Australasia and the Pacific Islands, whereas the British version is sold elsewhere.
Due to the exclusive distribution rights held by Sanitarium, British Marmite is sold under the label "Our Mate" in Australia and New Zealand. In 2013, Sanitarium issued proceedings against the importer of British Marmite, seeking an order for the product to be forfeited or destroyed and an injunction on further shipments.
It is important to note that Vegemite, the Australian product inspired by Marmite, is not the same as Marmite. Vegemite was developed in the early 1920s due to shortages of Marmite exports to Australia during World War I. While Vegemite has faced potential sales restrictions in Australia due to its use in producing illicit alcohol, it is distinct from Marmite, and the latter is not illegal in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Marmite is not illegal in Australia. However, British Marmite is sold under the name "Our Mate" in Australia and New Zealand due to the existence of a local product also called Marmite.
The Australian product is called Vegemite and was developed in the early 1920s as a substitute for Marmite due to shortages of Marmite exports to Australia after the First World War.
Yes, there have been calls to ban Vegemite in Australia due to its use in the production of illicit alcohol in remote indigenous communities. However, the Australian government decided not to introduce controls on sales of Vegemite.
