MEET YOUR [OUTSTANDING] MAKER, BARKERS
Barker’s of Geraldine celebrates 50 years in business this year, and what a year it’s been!
Awards
In addition to receiving gold and silver medals at the 2019 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards for two products in their new ‘Fruit for Cheese’ range, this innovative business earned the Label & Litho Outstanding Packaging Award. Judges praised the contemporary pack design and strong branding which combine to position the range as a premium product – making them the perfect match for New Zealand specialty cheeses.
In March, Michael Barker told the Timaru Herald, “We are delighted to have been awarded two very special medals in the 2019 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards. We were in fine company with an array of outstanding producers presenting their best.”
To fully enjoy the Barkers ‘Fruit for Cheese’ range, check out the tasting notes and Whitestone Cheese (another regular ONZFPA winner) matching suggestions on Barker’s blog
Under Construction
If you’re planning on passing through South Canterbury over the Christmas holidays we’ll have to add Barker’s to your food itinerary. The Barker’s team is counting down until the much-anticipated September opening of the new Barker’s Foodstore and Eatery in Geraldine, alongside their development of a boutique lodge in a nearby heritage building overlooking the Waihi River.
Building on a Remarkable Story
These accolades and new endeavours build on the company’s longstanding culture of experimentation, quality and a desire to find new ways to satisfy customers. Did you know that founder Anthony Barker began the business in 1969 with the release of 1,200 gallons of elderberry wine?
Anthony Barker and the elderberries from Barkers.co.nz
Anthony drew crowds of over 20,000 visitors to his fruit wine cellar door each year to admire his innovations: the cowshed and piggery were transformed into the winery, an old washing machine was converted for drying corks, and a vacuum cleaner was adapted in conjunction with a diesel burner for the quick heating of the coppers to boil fruit.
After decades of tinkering and experimentation Anthony and his son, Michael, released Barker’s Blackcurrant in 1981. This delicious non-alcoholic beverage was an instant hit and led the way to the extensive range of cordials and juices for which Barker’s is known today.
Ten years later, Anthony launched a series of high-quality fruit preserves, which paved the way for the latest creation – ‘Barker’s Fruit’ for Cheese range.
Once a small family business, Barker’s has expanded significantly whilst honouring the late Anthony Barker’s spirit of innovation and dedication to crafting the finest quality fruit products.
We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!