See’s Candies, the century-old California confectionery brand known for handmade chocolates and sweets, opened its first Australian shop at Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast on 9 May 2026. Founded in 1921, the brand sells chocolates, caramels, peanut brittle and gift assortments. The Robina store is operated by local partners Jason and Megan Banks under a licensed retail partnership. According to Inside Retail, See’s has grown to more than 250 locations across the United States and selected international markets. Inside Retail
See’s arrival comes as US dessert brands continue to attract Australian consumers, with social media increasingly building awareness before some brands establish an official local presence.
Crumbl Cookies is one example. The US chain, known for oversized cookies and a rotating weekly menu, gained attention in Australia through viral posts and food reviews. In September 2024, an unofficial Sydney pop-up drew queues for imported cookies priced at A$17.50 each. The event was not organised by Crumbl, according to ABC News, but demonstrated how online interest can translate into local demand.
Other US brands have taken a more established retail and distribution route. Cinnabon entered Australia in 2019 with its first Brisbane bakery and has since expanded to more than 20 locations. It has also extended the brand through collaborations, including Cinnabon-flavoured hot cross buns with Woolworths in 2025 and a Golden Gaytime collaboration in August 2026.
(Image credit: Instagram@Cinnabonau )
Krispy Kreme, one of Australia’s best-known doughnut chains, opened its first Australian store in Penrith in June 2003 and has since expanded beyond standalone stores into convenience retail. In April 2025, it began supplying selected BP stores across Queensland, NSW, Victoria and WA, according to the Australian Association of Convenience Stores. In June, a partnership with Ampol Foodary extended fresh daily deliveries to 30 selected locations.
Australia’s chocolate and sugar confectionery market was valued at US$7.7 billion (approximately A$11.8 billion) in 2025, with imports accounting for 31.1% of market size, according to Euromonitor International. Australia also imported US$26.4 million (approximately A$39.6 million) in sugar confectionery from the US in 2024. Euromonitor
Meanwhile, ABS data showed apparent per-capita confectionery consumption fell 3.9% in 2023–24 to 29.2 grams per day. For international dessert brands, the opportunity may therefore lie less in overall consumption growth than in converting existing awareness into repeat purchases through local retail, distribution and partnerships.
(Cover image credit: See’s Candies)