New Zealand's sticky black sandwich spread is finally back on breakfast tables after fans suffered through a year of what they called Marmageddon.

Supermarkets began selling Marmite again Wednesday for the first time since March 2012, when supplies ran out. A series of earthquakes in the city of Christchurch forced manufacturer Sanitarium to close the only factory that made New Zealand's version of the yeast-extract product.

To the uninitiated, Marmite looks like axle grease and tastes little better. But plenty love it: New Zealanders were buying 640 metric tons every year before Marmaggedon hit.

Grocery chain Foodstuffs said people have been queuing up at its stores. Spokeswoman Antoinette Shallue said customers are "really excited" about Marmite's return.

England makes its own version of the spread which tastes significantly different.