Terrible news… or great news? Marmite limits sales due to shortage of brewers’ yeast during coronavirus lockdown
- The popular spread, founded in 1902, is now only available in 250g jars
- The company revealed that key ingredient brewers’ yeast is in short supply
- The stalling of brewery production was caused by the coronavirus pandemic
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Marmite can now only produce small jars after being heavily impacted by the coronavirus.
The popular, or unpopular, spread announced on Wednesday that a shortage of brewers’ yeast caused by the pandemic means it can only produce 250g jars for customers to buy.
Invented in England in 1902, Marmite is reliant on the repurposed yeast as a key ingredient, but the slowing down of production by brewers means smaller portions of the spread are available.
Marmite can now only produce 250g jars of the popular, or unpopular, spread due to the coronavirus pandemic
A spokesperson for the Marmite firm told a customer: ‘Due to brewers yeast being in short supply (one of the main ingredients in Marmite) Supplies of Marmite have been affected.
‘As a temporary measure we have stopped production of all sizes apart from our 250g size jar which is available in most major retailers.’
Since its inception 118 years ago, Marmite has divided UK opinion, with the spread coined with the famous saying ‘you either love it or you hate it.’
The company revealed on Wednesday that a shortage of brewers yeast means only smaller jars of Marmite can be sold to customers
In July 2019, consumer goods company Unilever announced it may have to drop Marmite as a product if it does not have a ‘meaningful impact’ on the world.
Other popular snack options Potnoodle and Magnums are other major food brands which could be dropped by the British Dutch consumer giants for not having enough ‘purpose’.
Unilver chief executive Alan Jope said last summer: ‘Principles are only principles when they cost you something.’
According to a 2017 study, Marmite can improve brain power amongst humans, due to being rich in vitamin B12 which encourages our bodies to produce a chemical messenger associated with healthy brain function.
The stalling of yeast production due to the pandemic has also resulted in a shortage of beer as pubs across the world have been forced to close amid the pandemic.