Barker's of Geraldine is a food preservation business based in Geraldine, New Zealand. The business primarily produces fruit preserves, fruit syrups and relishes.
Industry | Food processing |
---|---|
Founded | 1969 |
Founder | Anthony and Gillian Barker |
Headquarters | , New Zealand |
Products | preserved foods |
Number of employees | 300 (2024) |
Parent | Andros |
Website | https://barkers.co.nz |
History
editThe company was founded in 1969 by Anthony Barker and his wife Gillian.[1][2] The business started making elderflower wine in a converted shed on their farm in Pleasant Valley, but soon changed to creating fruit preserves.[1] By 2009 the business had grown to be purchasing around 1,000 tonnes (980 long tons; 1,100 short tons) of New Zealand fruit annually.[3] In 2007 they acquired rival relish manufacturer Anathoth Farm.[4] The business remained family owned until 2016, when a majority stake was sold to French food company Andros.[1][5]
Barker's has won several industry awards. In 2009 the company was named the "supreme business" by the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce in their Business Excellence Awards.[3] In 2015, Barker's was named "South Canterbury's best business".[6] In August 2024 they were again named supreme winner by the Chamber of Commerce.[7]
In 2019 Barker's opened a store and café complex in Geraldine.[8] As of 2024[update] Barker's employs 300 people, making it the largest employer in Geraldine, a small town with a population of around 3000 people.[1][9] In April 2024 the company announced a major expansion of their factory facility in the town, that will increase the floorspace from 3,300 m2 (36,000 sq ft) to 9,200 m2 (99,000 sq ft).[10]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Tobin, Chris (25 October 2024), "Barker's marks 55 years with sculpture and commitment to Geraldine", The Timaru Herald, retrieved 25 October 2024 – via The Press
- ^ Comer, Rachael (19 October 2019), "Barker's of Geraldine business marks 50 years of 'dogged hard work'", Stuff, retrieved 25 October 2024
- ^ a b "Barker's SC's finest business", Stuff, 8 October 2009, retrieved 25 October 2024
- ^ "About us", Anathoth Farm Official Website, retrieved 25 October 2024
- ^ "Barker Fruit Processors joins forces with French family - Hospitality Business Magazine", Hospitality Business Magazine, 5 May 2015, retrieved 25 October 2024
- ^ Montgomerie, Jack (4 September 2014), "Barkers chases further honours", Stuff, retrieved 25 October 2024
- ^ "Barker's scoops four big awards", The Timaru Herald, 25 October 2024, retrieved 25 October 2024 – via PressReader
- ^ Ashby-coventry, Esther (17 September 2019), "Barkers opens new Geraldine food store and eatery behind former vicarage", Stuff, retrieved 25 October 2024
- ^ "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
- ^ Srinivasa, Yashas (19 April 2024), "Massive expansion planned for Geraldine's Barker's factory", Stuff, retrieved 25 October 2024