It’s IKEA’s 50th anniversary! They’re saying thanks with something free and unexpected
By
Maan
- Replies 4
Celebrations don’t always come with surprises this big—or this tasty.
A beloved global brand is marking a major milestone in Australia with a quirky twist that blends nostalgia, national pride, and a whole lot of flavour.
What’s on offer this weekend has shoppers buzzing and foodies curious.
IKEA marks a major milestone in Australia with a uniquely cheeky tribute to both its heritage and local culture.
To celebrate 50 years since opening its first Australian store, the furniture giant will hand out limited-edition Meatball Party Pies to visitors on Saturday, 31 May.
The pies will be available at all ten IKEA locations across the country and will be free for IKEA Family members.
Those who aren't already members had the option to sign up online or via the IKEA app without charge.
The Meatball Party Pie combined the flaky, golden crust of a classic Aussie party pie with the rich meatballs and gravy that have become synonymous with the IKEA food court.
Source: Youtube/@AdrianWidjy
A dollop of traditional Swedish lingonberry jam sat on top, giving the pie a sweet twist.
Plant-based diners will also catered for, with a version made using IKEA’s popular meat-free plant balls.
John Tsoutsas, Chief Pie Officer at Loftus Pies—the local Sydney supplier IKEA partnered with—said: ‘We were so excited when IKEA Australia first approached us with this idea.’
‘Australians are very particular about their pies, but we can’t wait for people to taste them. We’re convinced customers are going to want them on the menu, even after the party is over.’
Tim Prevade, IKEA Australia's Country Food Manager, added: ‘Australians have embraced our food as much as our high quality, affordable home furnishings in the last 50 years.’
‘The Meatball Party Pie is a fun, flavour-packed way to celebrate that. We've taken the comfort of a classic Aussie party pie and combined it with the unmistakeable flavour of our iconic Swedish meatballs - creating something unexpected and nostalgic, with a unique twinkle-in-the-eye that can only be IKEA.’
The celebration will not end with pies—hot dog prices will be slashed to just 50 cents on both Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June.
The giveaways were part of a broader four-day celebration held from Friday, 30 May to Monday, 2 June.
IKEA will also offer half-price discounts on the iconic POÄNG armchair to IKEA Family members, along with other limited-edition launches.
Food has long played a major role in the IKEA shopping experience, whether it’s a cinnamon bun mid-browse or a quick hot dog at checkout.
More than half of Australians have eaten at IKEA, and in 2024 alone, over 3 million plates of Swedish meatballs were served across the country.
Since first arriving in 1975, IKEA has become a household name not just for its flat-packed furniture but for its unmistakable blend of culture, community and convenience.
With this limited-time pie, IKEA showed once again that it knows how to fuse flavour, fun and familiarity—true to the spirit of its Aussie customers.
In a previous story, we explored some clever ways to save at IKEA beyond the usual sales.
If you’re looking to refresh your space without breaking the bank, you won’t want to miss it.
Take a look to discover how to bring brand new furniture home for less thanks to this obscure IKEA section!
Would you make a special trip to IKEA just to try this limited-edition pie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A beloved global brand is marking a major milestone in Australia with a quirky twist that blends nostalgia, national pride, and a whole lot of flavour.
What’s on offer this weekend has shoppers buzzing and foodies curious.
IKEA marks a major milestone in Australia with a uniquely cheeky tribute to both its heritage and local culture.
To celebrate 50 years since opening its first Australian store, the furniture giant will hand out limited-edition Meatball Party Pies to visitors on Saturday, 31 May.
The pies will be available at all ten IKEA locations across the country and will be free for IKEA Family members.
Those who aren't already members had the option to sign up online or via the IKEA app without charge.
The Meatball Party Pie combined the flaky, golden crust of a classic Aussie party pie with the rich meatballs and gravy that have become synonymous with the IKEA food court.
Source: Youtube/@AdrianWidjy
A dollop of traditional Swedish lingonberry jam sat on top, giving the pie a sweet twist.
Plant-based diners will also catered for, with a version made using IKEA’s popular meat-free plant balls.
John Tsoutsas, Chief Pie Officer at Loftus Pies—the local Sydney supplier IKEA partnered with—said: ‘We were so excited when IKEA Australia first approached us with this idea.’
‘Australians are very particular about their pies, but we can’t wait for people to taste them. We’re convinced customers are going to want them on the menu, even after the party is over.’
Tim Prevade, IKEA Australia's Country Food Manager, added: ‘Australians have embraced our food as much as our high quality, affordable home furnishings in the last 50 years.’
‘The Meatball Party Pie is a fun, flavour-packed way to celebrate that. We've taken the comfort of a classic Aussie party pie and combined it with the unmistakeable flavour of our iconic Swedish meatballs - creating something unexpected and nostalgic, with a unique twinkle-in-the-eye that can only be IKEA.’
The celebration will not end with pies—hot dog prices will be slashed to just 50 cents on both Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June.
The giveaways were part of a broader four-day celebration held from Friday, 30 May to Monday, 2 June.
IKEA will also offer half-price discounts on the iconic POÄNG armchair to IKEA Family members, along with other limited-edition launches.
Food has long played a major role in the IKEA shopping experience, whether it’s a cinnamon bun mid-browse or a quick hot dog at checkout.
More than half of Australians have eaten at IKEA, and in 2024 alone, over 3 million plates of Swedish meatballs were served across the country.
Since first arriving in 1975, IKEA has become a household name not just for its flat-packed furniture but for its unmistakable blend of culture, community and convenience.
With this limited-time pie, IKEA showed once again that it knows how to fuse flavour, fun and familiarity—true to the spirit of its Aussie customers.
In a previous story, we explored some clever ways to save at IKEA beyond the usual sales.
If you’re looking to refresh your space without breaking the bank, you won’t want to miss it.
Take a look to discover how to bring brand new furniture home for less thanks to this obscure IKEA section!
Key Takeaways
- IKEA celebrates 50 years in Australia with free Meatball Party Pies for IKEA Family members on 31 May.
- The pie combined Aussie party pie pastry with Swedish meatballs, gravy and lingonberry jam, with a plant-based version also available.
- The four-day celebration includes 50-cent hot dogs, giveaways and half-price POÄNG armchairs.
- IKEA partnered with Loftus Pies to create the pies, which received strong praise from both the company and suppliers.
Would you make a special trip to IKEA just to try this limited-edition pie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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