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Australia's most iconic spread has reached a 100-year milestone

One of Australia's most iconic - and arguably most recognised - foods is celebrating 100 years.
Vegemite, the jar of salty, yeasty spread, was first sold to skeptical Aussies a century ago today.
But not many people know the story behind the popular spread, which has been used in everything from baked goods and sandwiches, to soups and stews.
Vegemite turns 100
Vegemite has turned 100. (Polly Hanning)
In 1922, Fred Walker from the Fred Walker Company hired young chemist Dr Cyril P. Callister to develop a remarkable new spread from brewer's yeast.
It hit shelves on October 25, 1923, but at first, Australians didn't take to the product and sales were slow.
But by World War II, our diggers were requesting the condiment be made to meet their nutritional requirements.
"He always had faith and he knew that it was a great product but he could never have imagined," Jaime Callister, the grandson of Vegemite's founder, said.
"It's just a national icon and it's transcended, it's moved well beyond the pantry."
Vegemite toast (Getty)
Vegemite's uses go beyond the humble slice of toast. (Getty)
The formula soon became one of the world's richest known sources of natural vitamin B and marked the start of what would become one of Australia's most-loved products.
The name Vegemite was chosen in a competition and Vegemite was sold in a two-ounce (57g) amber glass jar, capped with what was known as a Phoenix seal.
In 1954, the famous jingle was written.
Trish Kavanaugh original 1950s Vegemite commercial kid
Vegemite has come a long way since 1923 but remains a favourite. (Vegemite/Kraft)
At the Melbourne warehouse where the product has been made since 1923, a room full of "happy little Vegemites" - including retired Australian tennis star Ash Barty - today celebrated an Aussie love affair that has lasted a century.
"Vegemite has been with me through so many of my important milestones and has served as a reminder of home while I've been travelling – and I've even got my own Bartymite jar," Barty said.
Vegemite employee Robert Carman has worked at Vegemite for the past 52 years.
"I have it every day, it can be with avocado, it can be with tomato ... and I'll still keep eating it."
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