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In The Know (9)
Posted by: Merlyn Gray on 13th May 2009 in In The Know
Our occasional series where great design objects are described by those who know them best; their owners.
Designer Merlyn Gray muses on the merits of Marmite...
What is it? Marmite!
Tell me more... In 1902, the same year as the coronation of Edward VII, the Marmite Food Extract Company Limited started its life as a public company and national institution. Having negotiated the acquisition of the patents for health-giving yeast extract, the directors set up a small factory in Burton-on-Trent, centre of the British brewing industry where the all important yeast was readily available.
The magnificent oddity known as Marmite intrigues me as a product; how so many people can hate the taste but it still be so popular! Marketing strategies of accepting criticism and international mockery, as well as clearly separating the market with the slogan "You either love it or hate it" is a risky approach in today's marketing techniques.
Personally I am partial.....which makes me feel in a state of Marmite limbo.
Why did you buy it? It is the perfect product to keep in your cupboard for when you are browsing through, looking for a fix of quick and easy nourishment. Then put back for the next annual yearn.
About its looks? Anything black and gloopy, packaged in a pot which looks like it should be on a shelf next to the weed killer in the shed should not be considered edible. However it works so well as an iconic piece of British food heritage.
The visual appeal of the age defying logo and bottle shape is a masterpiece of design forecasting.
Technical advantages? I would say that there are not many technical advantages, however the application process of spreading on toast or bread has been well thought through and is in fact very easy to do.
Emotional appeal? That morning where nothing seems to be crying out to be consumed from the fridge or cupboard due to laziness or a cold kitchen.
Could it be improved? Not now new squeezy Marmite has been produced! Could be made easier to lick off the knife.
Not recommended for... A pre-date snack.
Posted by: Merlyn Gray on 13th May 2009 in In The Know
Our occasional series where great design objects are described by those who know them best; their owners.
Designer Merlyn Gray muses on the merits of Marmite...
What is it? Marmite!
Tell me more... In 1902, the same year as the coronation of Edward VII, the Marmite Food Extract Company Limited started its life as a public company and national institution. Having negotiated the acquisition of the patents for health-giving yeast extract, the directors set up a small factory in Burton-on-Trent, centre of the British brewing industry where the all important yeast was readily available.
The magnificent oddity known as Marmite intrigues me as a product; how so many people can hate the taste but it still be so popular! Marketing strategies of accepting criticism and international mockery, as well as clearly separating the market with the slogan "You either love it or hate it" is a risky approach in today's marketing techniques.
Personally I am partial.....which makes me feel in a state of Marmite limbo.
Why did you buy it? It is the perfect product to keep in your cupboard for when you are browsing through, looking for a fix of quick and easy nourishment. Then put back for the next annual yearn.
About its looks? Anything black and gloopy, packaged in a pot which looks like it should be on a shelf next to the weed killer in the shed should not be considered edible. However it works so well as an iconic piece of British food heritage.
The visual appeal of the age defying logo and bottle shape is a masterpiece of design forecasting.
Technical advantages? I would say that there are not many technical advantages, however the application process of spreading on toast or bread has been well thought through and is in fact very easy to do.
Emotional appeal? That morning where nothing seems to be crying out to be consumed from the fridge or cupboard due to laziness or a cold kitchen.
Could it be improved? Not now new squeezy Marmite has been produced! Could be made easier to lick off the knife.
Not recommended for... A pre-date snack.
Comments
Posted by Ed on 13th May 2009 08:41 AM
Ever wondered about the little pot depicted on the label? It's a kind of stock pot used in France which probably gave rise to the product name and jar shape.
Ever wondered about the little pot depicted on the label? It's a kind of stock pot used in France which probably gave rise to the product name and jar shape.
Posted by Emma on 13th May 2009 08:48 AM
I Love it!
I Love it!
Posted by Jack on 13th May 2009 09:20 AM
I hate it!
I hate it!
Posted by Anonymous on 13th May 2009 08:59 PM
Where can I get a Marmite tattoo?
Where can I get a Marmite tattoo?
Posted by Ed on 15th May 2009 09:31 AM
Not sure, but think very carefully before you have it done.
Not sure, but think very carefully before you have it done.
Posted by Merlyn on 15th May 2009 09:53 AM
I reckon that they are actually using Marmite for the ink. A kind of scratch and lick tattoo.
I reckon that they are actually using Marmite for the ink. A kind of scratch and lick tattoo.
Posted by Dan on 28th May 2009 04:47 PM
I told you there was something special about Marmite. Have a look at this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8071865.stm
I told you there was something special about Marmite. Have a look at this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8071865.stm
Posted by merlyn on 4th Jun 2009 08:27 PM
That is sheer brilliance. I wonder if the truth of jesus turning water into marmite to feed the 5000 is the real truth!? that would make a good sequel to the da vinci code!
That is sheer brilliance. I wonder if the truth of jesus turning water into marmite to feed the 5000 is the real truth!? that would make a good sequel to the da vinci code!
