C9 Chocolate and Gelato is entering a landmark period of growth, positioning itself as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging global brands. The Sydney born company, known for its premium handcrafted gelato and innovative chocolate creations, has been selected by Austrade for international promotion while simultaneously preparing for a major national expansion across key metropolitan and coastal locations.
Australia Business News understands that Austrade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, has chosen C9 Chocolate and Gelato as one of the Australian success story brands to be showcased at Aahar 2026. Aahar is the largest food and hospitality expo in South Asia and is attended by tens of thousands of international trade buyers and market decision makers.
The selection is regarded as an important endorsement of the brand’s export potential and its alignment with Austrade’s focus on promoting high quality, scalable Australian food products to global markets.
C9 Co Founder and Head of Growth and Marketing, Kev Arfai, says the recognition represents a defining moment for the business. “Being chosen by Austrade places C9 on a global stage and validates everything we have built over the years,” Kev Arfai told Australia Business News.
“We always knew our flavours could travel far beyond Australia. Now the world is coming to us, and this opportunity shows that we are ready.”
Founder and Head of Operations, Nour Hendi, says the selection reflects years of discipline, quality control and innovation behind the scenes. “Our commitment to consistency is what has carried us,” Nour said.
“Every recipe, every store, every customer experience has been built with care. To have Austrade recognise that at an international level is an incredible milestone for our entire team.”
While preparing for international exposure, C9 is also rolling out one of its most significant domestic expansions to date. New stores will open from December 2025 through the first quarter of 2026 across New South Wales and Queensland, including major shopping centres and high profile beachside locations.
In New South Wales, upcoming openings include Liverpool Westfield, Collaroy Beach, Dee Why Beach, Westfield Sydney City, Hurstville and a new North Shore flagship which will be announced shortly. Queensland locations include the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville.
This new wave of stores reflects the brand’s strong performance, rising franchise interest and a growing national demand for premium multicultural gelato experiences.
Kev Arfai says the expansion is both a strategic and a community driven move.
“Our customers have shaped our journey from day one,” Kev said.
“Their appetite for genuine flavour experiences is what drives our growth. Every new store allows us to share that sense of joy and discovery with more people across Australia.”
Nour Hendi adds that the operational framework for the new stores has been designed for scale. “We built our systems to grow,” Nour said.
“This next chapter is about taking what we do best and delivering it at a national and soon global level without ever compromising on quality.”
C9 has quickly built a reputation as a brand that blends global flavour inspiration with local craftsmanship. Its ability to innovate with unique taste profiles has helped it stand out in an increasingly competitive dessert market. With Austrade’s endorsement and a clear forward growth plan, industry observers believe C9 is now positioned for long term international scale.
Kev Arfai says the brand’s focus remains firmly on quality, creativity and connection. “We are building C9 to stand alongside the best dessert brands in the world,” Kev said. “Global expansion is not a dream anymore. It is the path we are already walking.”
Nour Hendi reinforces that the company’s success has always been built on people, process and passion. “We are proud of where we started and even more excited about where we are going,” Nour said. “This is only the beginning of what C9 will achieve on the world stage.”
Australia Business News will continue to follow C9 Chocolate and Gelato’s progress as the brand prepares for what is expected to be its most significant year of evolution yet.
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