Timeline

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

During the previous 10 years,  manufacturing had gradually been moved from Mitcham to Barton Stacey as the new site was developed.

A truly family business begins to emerge as another of Lionel’s children join Lionel, Alastair and Peter in their endeavours. Alison Barnes, née Hitchen, a chartered Accountant, takes up a role in Finance on 1st October.

Peter Hitchen joins on 1st July, having graduated in Business Studies and learning much about the industry during his industrial placement year in the USA.  Peter was now set on the path to become known as “Mr Citrus.”