About Australian Ice
Australian started as a small store in Knokke and grew into a Belgian and international chain. Discover how it all began in 1989: Australian Home Made Ice Cream, the very beginning.
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We got history.
1983
Experimenting with old ice cream maker
Australian Home Made Ice Cream is a large family of small independents. The story begins in 1983 with an old ice cream machine that Frederik Van Isacker experiments with until he finds the right recipe. It’s an ice cream machine with history. Frederik’s grandfather used to use them in his seaside hotel.
1989
Opening first store Knokke
A few years later, in 1989, the first store opened at the corner of Lippenslaan and Dumortierlaan in Knokke. Frederik had just been on his honeymoon to visit family in Australia. On the spot, he tells his godmother about his plans for an ice cream store. After his first season of instant success, she gives him a financial push to continue growing. Australian Home Made Ice Cream is born, with a nod to Frederik’s proud, Australian godmother.
That first season is one with very nice weather. In the store: the old turbine of the hotel Saint-Georges with which he makes the ice cream every day. Frederik sells so much ice cream during the day that he only has time at night to bake the cones.
1991
Opening second store De Panne
Soon new stores open in other coastal cities such as De Panne and Koksijde. Due to its success, the franchise formula is elaborated. At the beginning of the 21st century, the first store in inland Belgium follows in Ghent. In Woluwe Shopping Center, Australian Home Made Ice Cream opens a store in a shopping center for the first time. With 35 stores in Belgium, Australian is a known and loved brand.
1992
Opening first franchise De Haan
1996
First store
Belgian interior
2012
First Fred's store
in Luxembourg
With his second brand Fred’s, Frederik specifically targets foreign countries. In addition to the headquarters and stores in Luxembourg, there are also branches in France, Spain and the Caribbean. As separate companies, Australian and Fred’s share the same philosophy. Ready to conquer the whole world.
2019
30th Anniversary
In 2019, the company will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a new external management team. Meanwhile, Fred’s is working hard to break into France and centralize Australian’s operations in Zaventem. With a creative and artist like Frederik Van Isacker, Australian Home Made Ice Cream has a lot of experience to rely on. With Delphine and her open mind there, the company is looking fully into the future and new challenges. Without losing sight of the quality of their products.
2022
New Leadership for Australian/Freds
Mathieu Verdun, nephew and godson of Mr. Van Isacker, joins the management team at Australian, where he previously successfully ran the store on the Meir for six years. He will also become a minority shareholder. On December 20, 2023, Mathieu Verdun acquires 100% of the shares and becomes the owner. With his expertise and experience, combined with an expert management team, Australian/Fred’s is poised for new challenges.