Our Roots
Plastic tubs with an unpronounceable name
Many people have wondered how a brand with such a unique name on a plastic tub can be so successful.
From the beginning, people were drawn to the original Anathoth tub and it's clear that once they tasted the mouth-watering jam inside, they were hooked! Perhaps, it's also because it takes us back to earlier times when life was simple. Our jam is still made using traditional recipes, genuine and unspoiled.
In 1987, Owen and Kaye Pope had a rundown raspberry farm and their options were drying up. Owen realised he needed to turn the fruit into money by making jam. He forged ahead, using the traditional recipe of half fruit, half sugar.
Owen decided to sell the jam at the local market in plastic pots. The locals loved the bold, real fruit flavours and kept coming back for more. That early success led to demand in supermarkets, and Anathoth Raspberry Jam became New Zealand's best-selling jam.
From one family to another.
In 2003, Anathoth attracted a business consortium who bought the business and held it for four years. This group then offered the business to Barker's of Geraldine. In 2007, the Barker's company brought Owen and Kaye's much-loved venture back to another South Island jam maker to nurture and grow.
We're proud that several of our staff are second and third-generation employees and the atmosphere at Anathoth is one of 'family'. Our people are proud of what they do and they realise they're a part of something special, making products which are respected throughout New Zealand and Australia- and beyond.
