By, Naomi Firsht
1 min read
ByNaomi Firsht, Naomi Firsht
Unilever is looking for ways to make Marmite kosher again after a backlash against the ban on kosher South African imports.
The company received complaints and comments were posted on social media when supplies were cut off.
But a Unilever spokesman has confirmed that London Beth Din will visit the Marmite manufacturing site next week.
"We have been contacted by customers and we are trying to get something available for them. We want people to be able to enjoy the product and to make sure they can buy it and we are looking at ways to make sure they can," said the spokesman.
Imports of the South African Marmite, owned by Bokomo Foods, which carries the Johannesburg Beth Din hescher, were banned by Unilever over trademark infringement.
After receiving complaints from customers, Unilever asked the London Beth Din to investigate the manufacturing process.
North London Publisher Gary Simon has eaten Marmite for 57 years and used to regularly make Marmite soldiers for his three grandchildren.
He said: "I sent a tweet to Marmite, taking the mickey, and said 'What are we going to do?' They entered into the spirit of it by saying 'hang in there'. But underneath it all there is a question mark as to why it is no longer kosher and why Unilever paid attention to such a small concern."
In response to the news that the Beth Din would be visiting the Marmite site, the Woodside Park Community member said: "That is super news. If they can easily accommodate the Beth Din's requirements, then everyone comes out happy.
"I am looking forward to seeing Marmite coming back. It's been around since my childhood. It's practically a British institution."