Our Story

Arnott's history is Australian history

1800's

Portrait of William Arnott
1827

The story of Australia’s favourite biscuits begins a long time ago and a long way away, when a little boy named 
William Arnott is born in Scotland.

Tall ships at Newcastle harbour
1848

After completing an apprenticeship as a baker and confectioner, William and his brother David board the ship Sir Edward Parry bound for Australia’s shores.

Illustration of diggers travelling to the gold rush
1851

With the gold rush of the early 1850s, William is lured to the fields by the promise of fortune. Little did he know, he wouldn’t strike gold until he went back to his passion of baking breads and pies.

Photo of Arnotts first factory
1865

Armed with little more than a knack for baking, William opens his first factory in Newcastle – and it isn’t long before the Arnott’s name becomes synonymous with a different type of golden nugget: delicious sweet and plain biscuits.

Old Arnott's logo with macaw parrot
1870's

On returning from a visit to his native Scotland, William is gifted a colourful macaw parrot by a ship’s captain – a fated fowl that would become the face of Arnott’s biscuits for more than 150 years – and counting.

Did you know?

  • Arnott’s famous parrot was originally drawn by William’s daughter-in-law, who had a soft spot for the biscuit-loving bird.
Old Arnott's delivery van
1882

By this time, Newcastle’s best kept secret is out. Arnott’s famous biscuits are sent to Sydney by the ship load and a fleet of bright red delivery vans donning the company’s peckish parrot.

Milk Arrowroot biscuit
1882

MILK ARROWROOT

Arnott’s Water Crackers, Full of Fruit 
& Milk Arrowroot biscuits hit the market.

Photo of Arnott's family members
1899

After becoming Australia’s founding father of biscuits, William retires and soon after passes away – but not before leaving his family with 
all the knowledge they need to follow in his footsteps.

1900's

Old Arnott's products poster
1900

In the decades that follow, William’s sons go on to create some of the country’s most iconic bikkies, from, melt-in-your mouth Scotch Fingers to decadent Shortbread Creams.

Did you know?

  • 95% of Aussie households are home to Arnott’s biscuits.
Shortbread Cream biscuits
1908

SHORTBREAD CREAM

Shortbread Creams launch

Tim Tams and TeeVee Snacks
1964

Tim Tams and TeeVee Snacks are released and become quick Aussie favourites.

Did you know?

  • Aussies devour 537 million packs of Arnott’s biscuits each year, while Kiwis chomp through 45 million.
Vita-Wheat biscuits
1976

Vita-weat

Arnott’s Biscuits acquires Peek Freans’ Vita-Weat brand.

Woman dunking Tim Tam in coffee cup
1983

The Tim Tam Slam was invented in 1983 and has been the country’s most iconic way to enjoy a cuppa ever since.

Did you know?

  • Tim Tam Original is Arnott’s most popular biscuit of all time, with 669 million individual Tim Tam biscuits indulged in every year.
Tiny Teddy biscuit
1990

Tiny Teddy

Arnott’s Biscuits celebrates 125 years and launches Tiny Teddy biscuits.

Plate of Milk Arrowroot biscuits
1990

More than one hundred years after Arnott’s was founded on a steadfast insistence on the finest quality, the company celebrates its 125-year anniversary as Australia’s favourite biscuit company.

Did you know?

  • Arnott’s spends more than $500 million on raw ingredients from Australian farmers every year.
Quote - Creating moments for real connection for Australian families when they need it most.
2005

With a goal of giving back to the families and communities that have supported Arnott’s across generations, the Arnott’s Foundation was created, fostering moments of real connection for Australian families when they need it most.

Did you know?

  • Arnott’s have employed more than 50,000 Aussies since the company’s humble beginnings in Newcastle.
Arnott's 150 years logo
2015

One and a half centuries on from the first factory William Arnott opened in Newcastle, Arnott’s celebrates its 150th birthday, setting its sights on the next 150 years with a year of product innovations and community events.

Shapes illustration Tiny Tedy illustration

What have we been up to?

Celebrate Coeliac Awareness with Arnott's Favourite Gluten Free Recipes

Celebrate Coeliac Awareness with Arnott's Favourite Gluten Free Recipes

Learn More >
Thumbnail for Obsession Article

Arnott’s Premium Indulgent Range

This is Arnott’s, but not as you know it. With an exquisitely crafted new sweet and savoury collection, this is truly something else, from Arnott’s.

Learn More >

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