It’s often said that you either love or hate Marmite – and it appears that Kiwis are quite enamored with it, especially after low supplies of the sticky product have raised ‘Marmageddon’ concerns in New Zealand.
The impending shortage has been taken very seriously by New Zealanders, who are stocking up on jars of the spread before it runs out completely.
Reports indicate that shoppers are panic buying baskets filled with Marmite, and even Prime Minister John Key has admitted he is running low on his supplies, prompting him to ration the beloved British spread.
Following the destruction of factories in Christchurch by last year’s devastating earthquakes, Marmite manufacturers in New Zealand announced they will send out the last remaining stocks of the product this week.
“I can confirm there was a rush on Marmite yesterday,” stated a spokeswoman from grocery chain Foodstuffs.
“It’s clear Kiwis are taking the news of the impending shortage quite seriously.”
Another food chain noted: “We expect to run out of Marmite stock across all our stores in the next two to three weeks, and unfortunately, there’s little we can do about the situation.”
In an entrepreneurial move, one individual has tried to profit from the circumstances by listing a jar for sale on an auction site, with bids starting at £2,000.
The population of 4.4 million in New Zealand has a deep affection for the spread, consuming over 640 tonnes of the dark brown paste each year.
Prime Minister Key expressed his fondness for the product this week on TV3, stating: “I’m going to have to go thin I’m afraid.”
“I have a very limited supply in my office, and once that’s gone, I’m well aware that supplies are quite short.”
However, he faced backlash from Marmite enthusiasts after he suggested he may switch to the ‘inferior’ alternative, Vegemite.
The parent company of the brand, Sanitarium, hopes to resume production by July.
Marmite aficionados have been advised to use the spread sparingly and opt for hot toast to extend their supplies.
