New development labs open at Virginia Works site
In 2005, Virginia Works became home to our team of experienced flavourists.
Lionel Hitchen retires
Lionel, aged 87, decides to step down from the day to day business. He continues to attend senior management meetings.
Business expands to Germany and Austria
Well situated in Brechen, near Frankfurt, F.E.P.A. GmbH and its founder, Frank Gutzeit, is appointed Distributor for Germany and Austria.
Second site acquired at Virginia Works, Andover
A second site is acquired in Andover, only 8 miles from Barton Stacey. This site provides warehousing as well as being home to central services such as Customer Services, Sales and Logistics.
Business expands to South Korea
KNS Trading Co. Ltd, managed by Mr S.Y. Lee is appointed as Distributor for South Korea. Mr Lee was later succeeded by his son, Ben Lee.
Business expands to USA
Thwaites Inc. is appointed as Agent for the US market. The owner, David Thwaites, is no stranger to the flavour industry having worked for Lionel Hitchen (Essential Oils) Limited as our very first production manager. David’s daughter Dianne Hustus enters the family business and subsequently works for Lionel Hitchen USA, founded in 2007.
Business expands to France and Belgium
Didier Braillon, with many years experience of the flavour industry is appointed as Distributor for France and Belgium. Didier’s legacy continues today with his son Jean-Luc Braillon, owner of Braillon MPA.
Business expands to Thailand
Abbra Corporation Ltd, a successful, privately owned business based in Bangkok, was appointed as our Distributor for Thailand soon after their very first meeting with Alastair and Peter Hitchen in Winchester.
Business expands to New Zealand
Robert Importers, based in Auckland, is appointed as Distributor for New Zealand, following a personal recommendation by Peter Cooke of neighbouring Cooke Aromatics. Upon retirement in 2008, the business is sold to Hawkins Watts Limited, another family owned business, who remain as our Distributor to the present day.
Business expands to Australia
Cooke Aromatics, owned by Peter Cooke who had previously worked for several major flavour companies including Bush Boake Allen is appointed as Distributor for Australia. On Peter’s retirement in 2007, the business was taken over by Ingredientbox Pty Ltd. In 2015, Hawkins Watts Australia Pty Ltd. is appointed as a Distributor, following Lionel Hitchen’s success with
