Baskin-Robbins, the worldÍs largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is searching Australia for new franchise partners and is offering a $10,000 discount off the set-up costs to new franchisees sourced through one of its showcase expos.

Nigel Travis, CEO of DunkinÍ Brands, the parent company of Baskin-Robbins, and his global leadership team will travel to Australia next month to visit Brisbane, Sydney and Perth in search for the next generation of Baskin-Robbins franchisees.

The executive team will also meet with existing franchisees to outline the growth and development strategy for the brand in Australia.

“Baskin-Robbins has a proud tradition of providing quality ice cream products globally for more than 60 years,” said Travis.

The US based Dunkin’ Brands took back ownership of the brand in Australia after the collapse of the Baskin-Robbins Australian franchisor, Allied Brands, late in 2010.

Ian Martin, general manager for Baskin-Robbins Australia, said “As a whole, Baskin-Robbins is currently under-penetrated here in Australia, which provides an outstanding opportunity for future growth.

“WeÍre actively looking to significantly increase the number of Baskin-Robbins locations in Australia in the next several months, so we are holding expos for people to find out more about our franchising opportunities.”

The Baskin-Robbins franchising expos will take place in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth on March 8, 9 and 10 respectively.

Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Perth have been particularly earmarked for the BrandÍs growth.

There are almost 6,400 ice cream shops in 39 countries. In Australia, there are 86 stores.