Crises

Vegemite’s Sales Stink

And how about revamping the dated packaging?
And how about revamping the dated packaging? Photo: Vegemite

Australia is having something of a culinary identity crisis as younger eaters increasingly fail to embrace Vegemite, writes The Wall Street Journal. The yeasty spread (a by-product of beer-making, we just learned) is notorious for its pungent smell and salty flavor, not qualities generally beloved by children. And a growing Asian population in places like Sydney means many youngsters have no familial obligation to ingest the stuff, since their parents never did.

Though it sounds like Vegemite could go the way of Oleo, oddly, New Zealanders have been clamoring for Marmite, a similar product, after the factory making it there was damaged by an earthquake. A jar of the stuff, dubbed “black gold,” went for $1,674 at a recent charity auction. Vegemite does contain umami, says the WSJ, so we suggest it play up that angle before it’s too late. Aussie Delicacy Vegemite Loses Some of Its Savory Appeal [WSJ]

Vegemite’s Sales Stink