Celebrating 50 years of preserving fruit
Well-wishers from across the world have paid homage to the pioneering spirit of a Geraldine business that began in the corner of a South Canterbury farm in 1969, working its way to recognition as a household name.
Barker’s of Geraldine celebrated 50 years on Saturday with a birthday party on the grounds adjacent to its new store and eatery in Talbot St, behind the former St Mary’s Church Vicarage which Barker’s processing chairman Michael Barker has redeveloped into a boutique accommodation lodge.
Speaking at the celebrations, former employees, French ambassador Sylvaine Carta-Le Vert and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, via video message, all mentioned the company’s innovation, ingenuity and hard work as being keys to its success.
The Geraldine-based fruit/ food business is a subsidiary of the Andros Group and video messages of congratulations from the group’s companies throughout the world were also played.
Barker, who was also MC for the event, said it was a ‘‘very proud moment’’ for a business that had succeeded through ‘‘dogged hard work, hard decisions and adapting’’. Those key points were also mentioned by blackcurrant farmers Don and Hamish McFarlane, who have been supplying Barkers with the fruit for 39 years.
‘‘We spoke with Anthony Barker all those years ago about what could be done with all the blackcurrants we had,’’ Don McFarlane said. ‘‘It was a big decision taking on big Ribena.’’
Hamish McFarlane remembered growing up with the rush to beat the weather for harvesting. ‘‘We have all adapted, evolved and embraced changed.’’
As part of the milestone, Barker was also asked to pay tribute to the business’ 50th anniversary with a book.
Barker’s of Geraldine 50 Years Preserved features the history of the business, old family photos and stories from past and present staff, some of whom took to the stage to read their excerpts from the book.
Long-serving staff members were also recognised at the celebrations.