By, Naomi Firsht
1 min read
ByNaomi Firsht, Naomi Firsht
Marmite on toast is back on the menu for the community as the spread is now certified kosher.
Imports of the kosher Marmite produced in South Africa were halted by manufacturer Unilever in 2014 leaving lovers of the yeast extract spread with bare shelves.
However after months of talks with the Kashrut division of the London Beth Din Unilever have agreed to produce a brand new 70g jar on a separate production line.
The existing Marmite products are produced on a production line that also carries non-kosher products, so could not be heschered.
Production on the new kosher version starts next week and the jars are set to be in kosher shops from the end of next week.
Unilever said it is looking at introducing other jar sizes in the future.
Golders Green resident Simon Kalman, who got in touch with the JC when he realised he could not longer buy the South African imported Marmite, said: "It's seriously good news for those who like Marmite.
"I hope it is going to be widely available and not outrageously expensive."
Director of KLBD Rabbi Jeremy Conway said: "After long discussions with Unilever, we are delighted to have finally secured kosher Marmite for all those Marmite lovers out there.
"I know the Marmite factory very well and the personnel – they have been quite keen to make it kosher if they could. The banning of the South African product has added an extra pressure along with calls from kosher Marmite lovers in the UK.
"In a way I am grateful for Unilever banning the South African product because it gave added impetus to finding a solution."
Explaining the reasons why Marmite products could not previously be heschered Rabbi Conway said: "Bovril, which is an animal extract product, is made on the same site so there are some complicated halachic issues. A key point is that the 70g jar is packed on an all-kosher line."
He added: "Marmite is a completely unique product and if you have been brought up on it, it is essential. Personally I do love it"
A Marmite spokesman said: “The Marmite kosher products will include the 8g individual portions, the 600g tubs sold in Costco and our brand new 70g jars which will be available in Poundland and 99p stores from July 1.”
The newly kosher Marmite product will appear in this year's KLBD Kosher Nosh Guide, out at the end of June.
