Ice cream business Ben & Jerry’s has opened a store on the Gold Coast, its fourth in Australia, and introduced packaged product to selected outlets in the ACT.

Kalli Swaik, brand manager at Ben & Jerry’s, said “Since the launch of Ben & Jerry’s in Australia back in 2009, expansion into the ACT will mark the fourth and most recent state to stock product – a big step in making Ben & Jerry’s available to the entire nation.

“Our franchise strategy has also been successful and a large part of our growth so we are proud to announce the Gold Coast scoop shop as our fourth franchise since the inaugural opening of the Chatswood Scoop Shop in 2012.”

The company has plans for 30 franchise outlets along the eastern seaboard, including Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Sydney CBD in New South Wales; Melbourne CBD, South Bank and St Kilda in Victoria; and Brisbane CBD, Broad Beach, South Bank and The Valley in Queensland.

The full range of packaged Ben & Jerry’s ice cream will be distributed to selected Canberra stores, with the company sponsoring Openair Cinemas from 17 March to coincide with the rollout.