After a year-long absence due to supply exhaustion during an event called ‘Marmageddon’, Marmite is back on breakfast tables in New Zealand.
The only factory in the country producing the sticky black spread, located in Christchurch, was forced to shut down following damage from a series of earthquakes. However, its maker, Sanitarium, has successfully resupplied supermarkets after a year.
Due to overwhelming demand, some eager New Zealanders found themselves limited to two jars each when the shelves were restocked on Wednesday.
One shopper remarked, ‘I’ve tested the alternative spreads, but they just don’t compare, so I’ve had to settle for jam or peanut butter on my toast.’
In a statement posted on its website, Sanitarium announced: ‘You’ve scraped by, you’ve rationed, you’ve faced Marmageddon – and now the wait is over!
‘Marmite is now available again on supermarket shelves across NZ. Thank you for not panicking and for patiently awaiting the return of the black gold.
‘It’s back and it’s time to celebrate! Grab a jar, dig in, and spread the joy. Enjoy!’
Foodstuffs, a grocery chain, reported that customers were lining up at its stores.
A spokeswoman mentioned that shoppers were ‘really excited’ about Marmite’s return.
Prime Minister John Key was among those who expressed dissatisfaction with the shortage.
New Zealand consumes 640 tonnes of Marmite annually.