Historical information

A young chemist named Dr. Cyril P Callister, hired by the Fred Walker Company, developed a new spread from brewer’s yeast. It was claimed as the richest
known sources of natural Vitamin B. Labelled as ‘Pure Vegetable Extract’, it was sold in a two ounce amber glass jar and capped with what was known as a Phoenix
seal, to keep the contents fresh. A competition inviting the Australian public to create a name for the new spread offered a prize of 50 pounds.
finalists. Hundreds of people entered and Fred Walker’s daughter selected the winning name: VEGEMITE. The name of the winning entrant was never placed on record. VEGEMITE spread was then sold from grocers’ shelves.
In April 1984, a 115-gram jar of vegemite became the first product in Australia to be electronically scanned at a checkout

A commemorative jar was produced to celebrate the occasion of 70 years - 1922-1997.

Significance

Vegemite is possibly Australia's most iconic food brand. Since the 1930s it has been a major part of this country's cuisine. Yet unlike other Australian icons the attraction of Vegemite has remained local.

Physical description

A tapered brown glass jar with a gold metal lid. The label o the front is red with yellow, white and black print. there is a similar smaller label on the lid. with black writing.

Inscriptions & markings

On base: a spiral with 10 in centre circle
13573 underneath the spiral
above is letter A with raised dots inside