Massive expansion underway for our factory

We're proud to have been able to call Geraldine home for the last 55 years. Our business has grown extensively over that time, so for us to continue to expand over the next 50 years, we need to ensure we have the right facilities and technology. That means expanding our factory.

This large-scale expansion will see us tripple the size of our factory and doubling the capacity of the Barker Fruit Processors business. The project is expected to be completed by early 2026.

Our chief executive, Agnes Baekelandt, put it best in an article with Food Ticker:

"We do not have enough capacity anymore to supply on current demand...which is a good problem to have...And we have a basket of ideas, innovation plans for the future. And we need space, quality and new tools to be able to get there. It's a 55-year-old business and it is time to modernise the operations."

We want to provide the safest possible workplace for our team, and more space means a safer and easier environment for our staff.

Innovation and growth have been a part of the Barker's story from the start. Back in 1969, Anthony & Gillian Barker diversified from sheep farming into making fruit wines. Anthony converted an old cow shed into a winery and used two laundry coppers to cook the fruit. We've come a long way since then, expanding into the 20+ categories you know and love today (and that's just the Barker's of Geraldine brand!).

With a new factory comes more space for new equipment and tech, so we'll be able to stretch the portfolios of all our brands even further, exploring new kinds of products.

Rest assured, there's been a lot of planning to make sure there's no disruption from you getting your favourite Barker's products, as we complete this project over the next 18 months.

Stay tuned for updates on this project - follow us on socials @barkersofgeraldine or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about all things Barker's!