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, where the all important yeast was readily available. It took a couple of years to perfect the recipe. Even so, the MARMITE brand was awarded two gold medals in 1903, one at the Universal Food and Cookery Exhibition and the other at the Grocery Exhibition. The popularity of MARMITE yeast grew steadily and in 1907 a new factory opened at Camberwell Green, London. By the outbreak of the First World War, MARMITE was an established brand, recognized for its nutritious properties. It was thus ideal for the troops serving overseas in combating the outbreak of beri-beri and other deficiency diseases. MARMITE had been sold in small earthenware pots from the outset, but towards the end of the 1920's plans were drawn up to switch to glass jars with metal lids. Why the now familiar shape of jar was chosen is not known, but it certainly added a distinctive appearance to accompany the distinctive taste of Marmite. Although the shape of the label had to be adapted to the new jars, the overall format of design continues with few modifications. In fact even the original simmering stew pot remains on the label to this day. There was a major advertising campaign during the 1930's to promote MARMITE further. Central to this promotion was the use of characters whose faces incorporated the word "good" or _ goodness_ . This theme was used on giant hoarding posters and display cards for shop windows, on brochures, recipe books and even paper bags. The Oxford Diecast Brands Marmite made of Diecast Metal/Mazak is Number CS045 in the range.
