Leading contract manufacturer, Hitex Confectionery, has appointed Darren Butler as its new CEO, aiming to propel a new stage of expansion following two years of transformation.
Since being purchased in November 2023 by the team that founded and built Gourmet Food Holdings, Hitex has had more than $3 million invested in new capital equipment, and consolidated its two manufacturing sites into a single, substantially larger facility.
The company said the relocation has enabled further investment in plant automation, quality systems, new product development and talent, positioning the business for long-term growth.
Butler has been commercial director of the company since November 2023 and took over the CEO role from 1 January 2026. Prior to joining Hitex, he had held roles at Chobani Australia, Gourmet Food Holdings and Bulla Dairy Foods.
Butler played an integral role in the 2023 acquisition of Hitex by a consortium of experienced FMCG investors. He has since overseen all commercial functions of the business and has been instrumental in strengthening Hitex’s key contract manufacturing partnerships.
“Following the significant re-engineering of the business over the past two years, Hitex is now entering its most exciting phase. We have built a strong platform for growth, and I’m looking forward to leading the business through its next stage of expansion and innovation,” says Butler.
Hitex continues to operate a strong co-manufacturing business within the health and performance nutrition category, and has established its own consumer brand – SnackHQ – securing national retail distribution across supermarkets and convenience stores.
The first product off the line in June 2025 was ReFil, a range of 5 Star Health Star Rating bars containing nine grams of prebiotic fibre, six grams of protein, no artificial flavours or colours, less than one teaspoon of sugar per bar and zero sugar alcohols. Food & Drink Business spoke to former co-founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Holdings, and current Hitex chair, Todd Wilson, at the time about the new brand.
Of the new appointment, Wilson said Butler has played a critical role in the company’s evolution over the past two years.
“His leadership through a period of major operational change has positioned the business strongly for its next phase of growth, and we are thrilled to have him step into the role of CEO,” said Wilson.
