The Great Australian spread

Trivia type
Trove trivia

This year the cultural icon Vegemite will be celebrating its 100th birthday. In 1922 the Fred Walker Company (which later would become the Kraft Food Company) hired young chemist Dr. Cyril P Callister to create a rival to the popular British food spread Marmite.  Fred Walker’s daughter chose the winning name of Vegmite after a nationwide campaign to name the product, and in 1923 Vegemite graced Australian shelves. 
 

Jar with lid, 'Vegemite', glass, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 19946-56
Jar with lid, 'Vegemite', glass, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 19946-56. View in Trove


The product failed to compete with the already popular Marmite initially. Not many people are aware but the Fred Walker Company changed the product name to 'Parwill' in 1928 along with the new slogan “If Marmite…then Parwill.” This innovative method of marketing was unsuccessful.
 

Parwill Advertisment,  News, 16 Nov 1927.
Parwill Advertisment, News, 16 Nov 1927. View in Trove


Over time, and a switch back to the original name, Vegemite slowly became Australia's favourite spread. Today, you can find Vegemite making its way into many dishes and products to add a bitter bite - such as this 1931 recipe for 'Vegemite mince' 
 

Vegemite Mince recipe, Goulburn Evening Penny Post,  Fri 23 Oct 1931.
Vegemite Mince recipe, Goulburn Evening Penny Post,  Fri 23 Oct 1931. View in trove