Arnott’s has marked 160 years of biscuit making in Australia with a celebration at its Huntingwood bakery in Western Sydney, joined by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and senior members of the state government.
The event brought together Premier Minns, NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing Courtney Houssos, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong, and Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott to recognise the milestone for one of the country’s longest-standing food manufacturing companies.
Arnott’s Group CEO George Zoghbi said the anniversary was a testament to the company’s resilience and commitment to local production.
“For 160 years, Arnott’s has been making delicious biscuits that have become household staples across generations,” Zoghbi said. “This success is underpinned by our employees, our suppliers, and our unwavering commitment to quality and continued investment in Australian manufacturing.”
He added that the company’s growth has gone hand-in-hand with supporting regional producers across New South Wales.
“It was great to celebrate this milestone, together with representatives from the NSW Government who similarly recognise that as we grow, so too does our support for local suppliers including wheat growers in the Riverina and across NSW, canola farmers in northern NSW and sugar growers in the Northern Rivers Region, amongst others,” Zoghbi said.
Premier Minns said the visit highlighted the importance of sustaining local industry. “Arnott’s is a great Australian brand – founded and still based in NSW,” Minns said.
“It was great meeting the Arnott’s workers last week – good Aussie manufacturing jobs in Western Sydney. I’ve eaten my share of Chicken Shapes and Tim Tams over the years, so it was great to say thanks to the workers who make them.”
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing Courtney Houssos praised the company’s longevity and innovation. “For 160 years, Arnott’s has shown how domestic manufacturing can deliver quality products, constant innovation, and enduring community value,” she said.
“It was wonderful to visit the facility and meet so many of the people who make Arnott’s famous products. Their passion and technical innovation continue to drive this iconic brand forward.”
Industry and Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong highlighted the company’s role in global exports. “Not only is Arnott’s a powerhouse of local manufacturing, they are also setting their sights on the international market, with a significant portion of what’s produced being exported across the globe – which is a great example of NSW’s increasingly diversified export economy,” he said.
Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said Arnott’s has become a symbol of Western Sydney manufacturing.
“Arnott’s is what Western Sydney is all about – an Australian icon with a remarkable workforce and outstanding quality products,” McDermott said.
“It’s wonderful to be back at the Huntingwood bakery, this time alongside Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Houssos and Chanthivong, to pay tribute to everyone who has made Arnott’s 160-year anniversary possible.”
Arnott’s was founded in 1865 when Scottish immigrant William Arnott opened a bakery in Newcastle.
Over the past five years, Arnott’s said it has invested more than $250 million across its network, including $50 million at the Huntingwood bakery to enhance production capacity and support export growth.
According to the company, the site, which opened in 1997, employs more than 400 staff and produces over half of Arnott’s total biscuit output, including 14 of its top 20 products.
