Arnott's Biscuits

This is from the Newcastle Museum & something I never knew…...that Australia’s iconic Arnott’s Biscuits started in the Newcastle/Hunter region (West Maitland) by Scottish pastry cook, William Arnott, in 1853.….but after a series of floods, he moved his business to Newcastle, leasing a shop in Hunter Street and began baking bread, pies and biscuits.

The business was so successful that by 1877 a new factory had to be built in Melville Street (now Union Street). The company went from strength to strength, producing over 80 varieties of biscuits.

When William Arnott retired, leaving the company in the hands of his 5 sons, the company employed 800 people and had factories in Sydney & Newcastle.

Sydney is where I always thought that Arnott’s began….so I’ve learnt something new!

[Suzanne]

Thanks for the info accompanying your great shot

[Diana]

Such a wonderful shot with interesting info accompanying it.

[Beryl Lloyd]

Such a lovely display captured at the museum, and interesting info in your narrative !

[Issi Bannerman]

Well, who knew? Nice info and display.

[Susan Wakely]

So much history to a humble biscuit.

[Kathy A]

I didn’t know it started in Newcastle either.

[Dorothy]

Oh I love their biscuits! Always buy a couple packs when I see them here!

[JENorton]

Wonder if these are related to the famous Anzac biscuits of World War 1?

[Agnes]

Delicious biscuits

[Rob Z]

That's so interesting.

[Carole Sandford]

Interesting. I don’t know their biscuits.

[haskar]

Lovely shot and narrative.

[l.eggzy (Linda)]

@jenorton Hmmm I'm not sure. I think it would be quite advertised by Arnott's if that was the case. I do know that the biscuits from WW1 were not originally named Anzac biscuits, they didn't get that name until after the war....plus I think what the soldiers had was very different to what we now know as Anzac's

[Purdey (Sharon)]

That is interesting. Great collection.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

They sound like a great biscuit for dipping in tea!