Our Story
So many people believe that Carman’s has been an overnight success. The reality is that we’ve been chipping away at this labour of love for well over 30 years now. Carolyn was only 18 when her journey began – buying the tiny muesli business for only $1,000. It’s with gratitude and pride in our hearts that we have watched this little business grow and we know it is all because of you – our loyal customers.
1992: Carman's Is Born
Carman's began in 1992 when 18-year-old university student Carolyn Creswell teamed up with her co-worker, Manya, to buy the tiny muesli business where they worked part-time. With just $1,000 each and plenty of determination, they took a leap of faith and became business owners. "One day I was told I was going to lose my job because the business was being sold. I immediately thought, 'You could buy this little business! You love the muesli and you already make it!' My offer of $1,000 was eventually accepted, and Carman's was born." And just like that, a little Australian muesli business began its journey.
1994: Where the Name Came From
In 1994, Carolyn bought out her business partner, Manya, becoming the sole owner of Carman's. Fun fact: the name Carman's comes from the first three letters of Carolyn and Manya's names — Car + Man.
1997: Hitting the Supermarket Shelves
After years of supplying a handful of cafés and delis around Melbourne, Carman's finally made its way into Coles supermarkets. For years, Carolyn had knocked on Coles' door, returning again and again to present her muesli. When she finally received the call to say Carman's had been accepted, she was so excited she cried.
1997: Service with a Smile
Back then, Carolyn personally delivered every order to Coles in her little Daewoo hatchback, parked alongside trucks and semi-trailers at the loading dock. And here's a little secret: sometimes she'd visit local supermarkets and buy all the Carman's muesli off the shelf to help create the impression it was flying out the door. (Don't tell Coles!)
2002: Our First Muesli Bars
We launched our very first muesli bars, bringing even more wholesome goodness to Australians looking for a delicious snack on the go.
2003: Welcoming Our First Team Member
As the business continued to grow, Carolyn realised she needed another pair of hands and hired her very first employee — Mandy Carr. With a name like Mandy Carr joining a business called Car + Man's, it felt like it was meant to be. This was also the beginning of something that's still deeply important to us today: creating a workplace that supports working parents. Carolyn even encouraged Mandy to bring her baby to the interview rather than find a babysitter. More than 20 years later, Mandy is still part of the Carman's family, and our team has grown to more than 70 wonderful people.
2012: Telstra Business Woman of the Year
After 12 years of applying, Carolyn was awarded the Telstra Business Woman of the Year. A wonderful reminder that persistence really does pay off.
2014: Lights, Camera, Carman's!
We hit the big screen with our very first TV commercial, starring Carolyn's family and friends. Because who better to tell the Carman's story than the people who have been part of it from the beginning?
2016: The First Carman's Fun Run
Together with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), we launched the first Carman's Fun Run to support Australians affected by breast cancer. Since then, our incredible community has raised millions of dollars, helping make a real difference to the lives of thousands of Australians. And every year, the event keeps getting bigger and better.
Creating Delight Around the World
More than 30 years on, our purpose remains the same: to create delight every day for everyone. From one small muesli business in Melbourne to kitchens, lunchboxes and pantries around the world, we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey so far. And we're only just getting started.
"I am so proud of what Carman’s has become. I hope you share my passion and enjoyment of Carman’s too!"
- Carolyn Creswell, Creator of Carman's
Join Our Incredible Team
At Carman’s, the pride we take in creating delight every day, is also reflected in the experience we want to create for our people. We believe in focusing on the “whole person” experience, giving our people the tools to be their best self, not only at work, but also outside of work, as an ambassador for our business.