Vegemite has revealed the highly anticipated remake of its iconic Happy Little Vegemites advertisement as the brand inches towards its 100th birthday.
In celebration of Vegemite’s 100th birthday on October 25, 2023, comes the return of the Happy Little Vegemites.
In 1954, a trio of bright, energetic youngsters burst into song on the radio to a toe-tapping jingle named ‘Happy Little Vegemites’.
Within five years later, the infectious song was developed into a television campaign, which continued intermittently until the late 1960s.
In the dawn of the 1980s, the original ‘Happy Little Vegemites’ commercials, re-mastered and colourised, were broadcast to an entirely new generation of Australians.
Vegemite released a national public casting call in April, inviting Australian children to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime part in the iconic Happy Little Vegemites remake.
Children nationwide responded in droves, and Vegemite received more than 10,000 audition applications from aspiring Happy Little Vegemites destined for stardom.
With the stage set to introduce Australia to the highly anticipated reveal of the new cast, Vegemite announced a well-kept secret – the return of a very special member of the Vegemite family for the remake.
Many might recognise the iconic Trish Cavanagh, who was just seven-years-old when she marched on top of the Vegemite jar in the original 1950s ad, and now, 71, on board as a special guest within its 2023 remake.
Aged seven, Trish didn’t realise what she was getting herself into then, but 64 years later, the Happy Little Vegemites ad is now as iconic as ever.
“I’m so honoured Vegemite asked me to be involved in the ad that changed my life forever,” Ms Cavanagh said.
“Vegemite has been and continues to play a huge role in my life, and I am so thrilled to be passing the baton to the next generation of Happy Little Vegemite kids.
“These children today don’t realise what a big event this is for them, and I hope in the years to come, they look back with pride.
“To be in the remake of the original Vegemite ad for Vegemite’s 100th birthday is something very special.
“Get ready for the ride, kids – I think it will be a long one.”
From the 10,000 who responded to Vegemite’s national casting call auditions, six lucky youngsters made the final cut; six-year-old Brielle, six-year-old Cyril, seven-year-old Albie, 10-year-old Amber, 10-year-old Ava and 11-year-old Xavier.
Within the remake, you’ll spot Vegemite’s 2023 cast of Happy Little Vegemites joyously dancing, gleefully running around the clothesline in the backyard, climbing trees and sharing Vegemite moments with their cherished friends.
The new Happy Little remake, and the next generation of Happy Little Vegemites, proudly celebrate the tapestry of Aussie life – where the simple act of enjoying Vegemite brings people together and fosters a sense of belonging and nostalgia that resonates within every Australian heart.
General Manager, Marketing at Bega Foods, Matt Gray said the remake of the Happy Little Vegemites ad provides an opportunity for children to write their names in Australian history.
“When Vegemite announced the remake of the Happy Little Vegemites ad, we knew one thing was true – it was a chance for some lucky kids to weave themselves into the Aussie history books,” Mr Gray said.
“Vegemite has played a key role in this great nation since 1923, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate its incredible legacy than by inviting a new generation of Happy Little Vegemites to be a part of something incredibly special.”
Vegemite thanked each Happy Little Vegemite who submitted their audition and everyone who has supported Vegemite during its 100-year existence.
