Marmite spreads a $350 boost for cancer patients

Photo / File

Marmageddon has struck again as a single jar of Marmite sold for $350 at an auction.

The jar was part of the auction at the Camp Quality black tie charity dinner which raised $100,000 for children with cancer.

The charity was surprised by the amount the 220g Marmite jar fetched.

"It is one of those things that people use every day and now that it is so rare, they can feel like they got a good deal on the night," a charity spokesman said.

Camp Quality New Zealand chairman Gary Troup said he was amazed by the amount of money raised at the auction and how generous people can be.

"An unbelievable result exceeding all expectations ... we are overwhelmed by the support."

Camp Quality is a not-for-profit organisation which provides support programmes like summer camps for children with cancer.

Other notable auction items included a framed and signed U2 album which went for $2600 and a signed Daniel Carter rugby jersey which went for $1700.

The Child Cancer Foundation said around 150 young New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Manufacturing of the breakfast spread stopped in November because of quake damage at the Sanitarium Christchurch factory.

The supply shortage was dubbed "Marmageddon" when the spread started disappearing from shelves in late March.