A perfect read for fans of the brand, aspiring food producers, family business owners, Cantabrians and all those families who have connections to Barker’s, to Geraldine and to people involved in the business.
50 Years Preserved, written by Michael Barker, is a 50-year story of relentless innovation, humble tenacity and risk-taking to create a lasting future on the family farm. This has been Michael’s opportunity to record and celebrate the pioneering work of his parent’s Anthony and Gillian Barker, who established Barker’s of Geraldine in 1969. The book records the story of a two generational ‘family’ business and the tireless work of many people – the harnessing of a village industry. From this collective endeavour, a powerful brand has been born, and a business that Geraldine and greater New Zealand can be proud of which still thrives on a corner of the family farm. The 300 page hardcover book includes almost three hundred pictures from the family and business archives and 30 contributions from past and present staff and other stakeholders. The story is not a chronology of facts or a comprehensive recollection of detail but rather a story that focuses on innovation – the foundation of the company. It follows a journey of building strong brands and about people who invested in a dream which turned into reality. It is a story of entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, fun, dedication to community and finding a way to bring it all together to build a strong, profitable values-based company.