Included in your FBA membership. This event is for Family Business Members and Advisor Members.
Get an inside look at Kytons Bakery, which has been operating since 1938. Kytons has been sold twice in its lifetime, and the Sutton family has been its custodians for over 20 years. Kytons has recently expanded its operation in 2025, doubling its footprint. Meet the Sutton family, go behind the scenes at their bakery, hear their story, and see their new expanded facility.
Kytons was established by the Hignett family in 1938 to supply their family's cafe. They sold the bakery to family friends, the Darwins, in 1975, and in 2003, Darren and Sharon took over the business and still own and operate it today using the original recipes from the Hignetts. In 2025, they expanded their facility to include the space next door, doubling their footprint and significantly improving their facility.
During this special event, you will have a chance to tour their facility and enjoy a special taste test of their award-winning sweets. You will then hear directly from owners Darren and Sharon in a panel facilitated by Louisa Andreucci from Hood Sweeney. Together, they will discuss the business, its history over the years, their purchase and takeover process, keeping the original legacy alive and their new expansion.
It is a chance to see how the Sutton family have continued the legacy started by the original owners over 85 years ago.
What to Expect:
- Facility Tour: Go behind the scenes at their newly renovated facility, recently expanded to include the neighbouring property, and taste test some of their award-winning treats.
- Family Business Story: Hear firsthand from Darren and Sharon about how they took over the business and preserved and adapted the 85-year-old legacy.
- Staying Local: Learn about Kytons' efforts to keep things local by sourcing packaging and ingredients in South Australia.
- Commitment to the Community: Hear about the local community that Kytons helps, organising fundraising drives for local schools and partnering with various charities, ensuring leftover products reach those who need them most.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow family business owners and industry peers, sharing experiences and building valuable relationships that can help your business into the future.
Meet Kyton Bakery
Kytons Bakery is a family business with a passion for producing baked goods that have delighted South Australians for 85 years. They are best known for their lamingtons, hot cross buns and Christmas puddings, all of which have been awarded 'Best in Australia'. Their team is committed to delivering exceptional products with quality and care that reflect the family values they have developed and that have been passed down to them.
Founded by the Hignett family in 1938 to supply their family's cafe, Kytons began in Penny Place in the city before taking up a stall in the Adelaide Central Market in the mid-1940s. The bakery was sold to the Darwin family in 1975, and in 2003, Darren and Sharon Sutton took over the business, preserving the original recipes while expanding its reach and community impact. Today, Kytons operates from its Edwardstown bakehouse, serving customers through its retail space and wholesale operations. In 2025, they doubled in size by taking over the building next door, greatly improving their retail space.
For over 85 years, Kytons has remained committed to supporting local communities and caring for the environment. Kytons has been assisting community, sporting and school groups to raise vital funds since the mid-1980s through their lamington, Easter, Christmas and winter fundraising drives. They source ingredients and packaging in South Australia where possible, have installed over 90kW of solar panels, reducing electricity usage by 70%, and partner with organisations like Kickstart for Kids, Foodbank and OzHarvest to ensure leftover products reach those who need them most. The business has transformed into one of South Australia's most beloved bakeries, continuing the legacy started by the Hignetts while remaining dedicated to sustainability and the local community that has supported them for generations.
Why Come Along?
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Gain exclusive insights into the operations of a successful family business.
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Learn first-hand from the family behind the business about their opportunities and challenges.
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Expand your network within the FBA community and enjoy a relaxed environment for learning, sharing, and connecting.
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Find inspiration and practical ideas for your own business.
Event Details
This event is being held at Kytons Bakery situated behind the Castle Plaza Shopping Centre. There is ample parking available at the shopping centre and on the attached street.
Please arrive promptly at 6:00pm and enjoy networking, a panel discussion and a tour of their new facility and bakery. The Sutton family will also be having a taste test of their treats for you to enjoy.
If you have any questions, need assistance with registration, or require support on the day, please contact Amanda Russell at arussell@familybusiness.org.au. Alternatively, you can reach FBA's Office by calling 1800 249 357.
