“When was Anathoth started?”

• Anathoth was founded in 1987 by a family who had purchased a rundown raspberry farm in Nelson. They grew their own raspberries on the farm and started selling raspberry jam in the Saturday Markets in Nelson. They were so popular that they sold out every weekend.

“How do you pronounce the word Anathoth?”

• We believe the correct pronounciation is “Ah-na-tot”, but you can say it anyway you like!

“Who owns Anathoth now?”

• Anathoth joined Barker’s of Geraldine in 2007 and our products are now made in Geraldine. Anathoth customers can continue to enjoy their favourite home grown jams and pickles knowing that they are safe in the hands of a long established and well respected family business, located deep in the heart of the southern countryside.

“Who is Barker’s?”

• Barker’s is New Zealand’s leading producer of premium jams, chutneys and blackcurrant juice syrups. Barker’s was found in 1969 by Anthony Barker and is still a family owned business. Anthony Barker’s son Michael is the Managing Director.

“Anathoth jams have a unique flavour. Are they still being made the same traditional way?”

• Yes. Anathoth’s success is based on authentic home-made recipes using New Zealand fruit and small batch production. We are keeping to that traditional way of jam and pickle-making.
• Anathoth jam is still just 1lb of fruit and 1lb of sugar, boiled until it sets. Just two ingredients, just like the old cook books, just like home made.

“Does Anathoth buy New Zealand fruit?"

• Yes. The Barker family has owned Barker Fruit Processors Ltd for 39 years and we have a policy of “New Zealand fruit first and foremost”. That same commitment to purchase New Zealand grown fruit applies to Anathoth products. Anathoth and Barkers are, in fact, the only two major jam and syrup brands in their categories that focus on using New Zealand fruits.
• This policy does not prevent us using imported fruit if there is a seasonal shortage, nor will it stop us from using specialty fruits that are not or cannot be grown in New Zealand. But it does mean that we will not put cheap Chinese Strawberries or Blueberries or Blackberries in our Jam when we can buy superior quality NZ berries!
• During the harvest season, we buy over 1,000 tonnes of New Zealand fruit. This includes Central Otago apricots and plums, as well as blackcurrants, boysenberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and other fruits from dozens of growers in Canterbury, Otago, Nelson, Marlborough, Horowhenua, Waikato, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland.
• Anathoth jam labels are being redesigned during the second half of 2008 to include the origin of the fruit as part of the ingredient listing.  

“How many products does Anathoth make?”

• We make a total of 18 products (Jams, Marmalades, Chutneys, Pickles and Relishes).

“How many Anathoth products are Gluten-Free?”

• All our products are gluten free, with only one exception (Tomato Relish).

“Do Anathoth products contain preservative?”

• None of our products contain preservative, artificial colouring or artificial flavouring.

“How long do Anathoth products last?”

• The ‘best before date’ is stamped on the side of every pottle – all products will last up to 2 years from the date they are made.

“How do you get ideas for new products?”

• Our products are customer-driven. We get ideas and recipes from our customers.

"Are Anathoth products available in Australia?"

• Yes, five of our most popular flavours are now available in Australia: Apricot, Boysenberry, Raspberry, Strawberry and our very latest addition Cherry Berry. You’ll find them in Woolworths, Ritchie’s and selected IGA stores throughout Australia. Please note that in Victoria, the Woolworths supermarket brand is Safeway.

"Can Anathoth pottles be recycled?”

• Yes, Anathoth pottles (Grade 5) and their lids (Grade 4) can be recycled.  We have just checked and can confirm that as at August 2009, there are 27 Councils in New Zealand that offer this service. Click here for a list of Councils….
• It’s interesting to note that while there are more Councils offering recycling for Grades 1 and 2 plastics, we choose to use Grade 5 Polypropylene plastic (PP) for several reasons. One is that PET plastics (Grade 1) are somewhat controversial due to chemical additives leaching out and are not suitable for hot filling preserves, as we do.
• We believe that recycling, where practicable, is a great option for our environment and we hope to see more Councils offering greater recycling options in the future.