Company History
Life Savers
The first Life Savers factory was established in Australia on Parramatta Road in Sydney, and from that moment, Life Savers was on a roll down under.
Heards Ltd
Heards Ltd is first established as a small confectionery shop in Henley Street, Parnell, Auckland.
Black Knight
Heards Ltd moves to bigger premises and start to make a wide range of confectionery including Black Knight licorice.
Darrell Lea
From humble beginnings, Harry Lea began selling chocolates and candies from a cart on the streets beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge – creating the Darrell Lea brand. Darrell Lea was named after Harry’s youngest son.
RJ's
Levin-local, licorice-loving Roger Halliwell and his son Regan James (who RJ’s was named after) started making liquorice with the belief they could make it better than anything they could buy.
Darrell Lea USA
Darrell Lea loved in Australia, becomes loved in the USA with the launch of Darrell Lea soft liquorice. Darrell Lea is ranged nationwide with leading retailers and is now grown to be the largest black licorice brand in America.
Quadrant Private Equity acquire Darrell Lea (est. 1927) in Australia and RJ’s (est. 1995) in New Zealand.
Quadrant acquire more iconic Australian and New Zeland brands including Life Savers (est. 1912 in Australia), Fabulicious, Mackintosh’s, Oddfellows (est. 1962 in New Zealand) and Heards (est. 1914 in New Zealand).
RiteBite Group established.
RiteBite Group took their first bite of Australia’s booming healthy snacking market acquiring BC Snacks, Munchme, Well Naturally, Smooze & CrispyFruits brands.
Darrell Lea
Darrell Lea launched chocolate blocks drawing inspiration from our popular treats including Rocklea Road, Liquorice, and Caramel Snows.
Life Savers
To celebrate a new century, Life Savers unveils a whole new range of lollies and chocolates, giving all sweet tooths out there new ways to enjoy their all-time favourites.
Darrell Lea USA
Darrell Lea launches chocolate blocks in the USA, introducing the market to the brands infamous Rocklea Road.
Darrell Lea Australia
Australian, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated Darrell Lea’s official factory reopening in Ingleburn, NSW after completing a $45 million manufacturing expansion. Left to right, Shane McLaren Ingleburn Factory Manager, James Ajaka CEO, Anthony Albanese Prime Minister, James Fulton GM Operations
