Vegemite celebrates 100 years with a miniature fine silver collectible

One of Australia’s most iconic food items, Vegemite, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the brand has released several items, including a miniature fine silver collectible in the shape of toast.

Vegemite is a thick, dark brown food spread made from brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives.

Dr Cyril Percy Callister, an Australian chemist and food technologist, developed Vegemite in 1922 while working for the Fred Walker & Co food company. The spread first hit stores in October 1923.

Vegemite left Australian ownership in 1935 when it was acquired by the American company Kraft. This change in ownership occurred due to financial difficulties faced by the original manufacturer, Fred Walker & Co, which led to a merger with Kraft.

Several years later, the spread became a staple in Australian households, using it in various ways such as putting it on butter toast, spreading it on crackers, dipping it in eggs, or using it in cooking to add an umami flavour to dishes.

In 2012, Vegemite returned to Australian ownership when Mondelez International – formerly part of Kraft Foods – sold the brand to Bega Cheese.

“The sense of pride when Vegemite returned to Aussie hands in 2017 was immense,” said Barry Irvin, executive chairman of Bega Group.

“The response from the country to bringing the brand home was fantastic, and Bega Group was incredibly proud to have achieved this.”

To celebrate its milestone, the company has revealed 1000 1oz fine silver collectibles in the shape of a toast (RRP $119.95). It will go on sale from today together with other Vegemite merchandise.

“It takes a fair bit for a brand to be around for 100 years. It’s not a milestone that you can reach alone to all of Vegemite’s family, friends, and supporters. Vegemite couldn’t have made it to 100 without you,” Irvin concluded.

Other products in the 100th Birthday Collectible range include: