The iconic yeasty spread that once became an American brand is finally back in Australian. Bega Cheese, a Melbourne-based dairy company, snapped up Vegemite and other range of food brands from the US giant, Mondelez International as a part of A$460 million deal. This deal will also grant the Australian company the right to Kraft brands and products like nut spreads and mayonnaise under license. Mondelez will now concentrate on their core products in Australia and New Zealand, such as Cadbury and Oreo.
This beloved spread enjoyed by Aussies is a dark, bitter spread that is made from brewer’s yeast, and is rich with vitamin B. For years, Australians moaned about their misfortune when US-based Kraft acquired Vegemite in 1935; however, it is still produced in Port Melbourne, Victoria. Mondelez, then, took over the brand after the reestablishment at Kraft in 2012. Vegemite is believed to be an important embodiment of Australian culture, marking its homecoming legendary and exciting.
Vocabulary:
snap up – to buy or take something quickly or eagerly
iconic – widely recognized and well-established
core – most important; main, essential
embodiment – something that is a perfect representative or example of a quality, idea, etc.
take over – take control
Aussie – a person from Australia
beloved – dearly loved
True or False:
- Originally, Vegemite is an Australian product.
- The cost of the deal is US$460 million.
- The deal will also grant Bega Cheese the right to Kraft brands and products like nut spreads and mayonnaise under license.
- Vegemite is made from brewer’s yeast.
- US-based Kraft acquired Vegemite in 1935; however, the product is still produced in Port Melbourne, Victoria.
Express your opinion:
- Vegemite, although bitter, has an addictive taste and flavor.
- Give at least five food that you think are iconic in Japanese culture.
- Share your thoughts about this quote: “To a hungry person, every bitter food is sweet.” ― Israelmore Ayivor
Defend your argument:
- Vegemite is believed to be an important embodiment of Australian culture.
- Food is considered one of the icons of a particular country.
- A foreign firm is producing another country’s own products.
- Vegemite is made from brewer’s yeast; whoever loves beer would love Vegemite.