Australian Homemade is a franchise formula for confectionery stores owned by Australian Homemade, based in Veenendaal, Netherlands. Originally a Belgian ice-cream store named Australian opened in Knokke, set up by the Flemish businessman Frederik Van Isacker, which expanded to many locations within the country.[1] In 2001, a Dutch businessman bought the foreign ("rest of the world") rights and opened stores in neighbouring countries. The Belgian franchise ice-cream and waffles brand "Australian" remains under separate and unrelated ownership from Australian Homemade up to the present day.
Australian Homemade stores are now prominently known for providing chocolate bonbons as much as ice creams and candies. Their products often incorporate Indigenous Australian art designs.
There are currently over 50 stores found in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and the United States.
Some Indigenous Australians reacted with anger at Australian Homemade, accusing them of using Aboriginal designs without permission and of being disrespectful.
In defence, the company says the designs were by a Dutch artist inspired by indigenous art and had no intention of causing offence to Indigenous Australians. They were reportedly working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) to help promote Aboriginal issues.[2]