Barkers Fresh Produce

About us

At Barkers, our dedication and passion for fresh produce have been passed down from generation to generation, with over 100 years of hands-on experience shaping our family’s legacy. Our unwavering commitment to delivering the finest quality produce is at the core of everything we do, and our intrinsic knowledge has positioned us as one of Australia’s most trusted facilitators for growers in the industry.

Our foundation is built on the strong relationships we’ve cultivated with our growers, who consistently produce the highest-quality fruit and vegetables on the market, and we make sure it’s available for customers to enjoy all year round. At Barkers, we’re more than just a wholesaler; we’re a family with fresh produce embedded in our DNA. We pride ourselves on being not just a supplier, but a trusted partner in ensuring the availability of exceptional produce, consistently and without compromise.

Our extensive grower networks, both within Australia and internationally, enable us to offer a diverse range of products delivered from farm gate to table. Customers trust us for our reliability, honesty, and our commitment to servicing retailers of all sizes. We are a small but mighty team with high productivity and a genuine care for our growers. Our deep understanding of buyers’ needs allows us to consistently deliver top-tier produce season after season.

Our story

100 Years of History - From Humble Beginnings

The Barker’s journey commenced in 1914 when trader John Wiley-Wright Barker joined forces with two other growers. Together, they opened a stall at 219 King Street in Melbourne and began sending potatoes and onions by train and ship up the eastern coast to Rockhampton and Cairns. Potatoes would be carted from the paddock on horse and dray to the train station, before they would arrive in towns and cities across Victoria, landing in places such as Wonthaggi, Ballarat, Bendigo and Wodonga.  They went to extraordinary lengths to ensure the best quality produce reached their buyer’s tables, no matter the distance or effort required. These core values of going the extra mile and delivering the best quality produce to market have remained the standard of service, passed down from generation to generation within the Barker family.

A new chapter

The Next Generation

Now, it’s the next generation’s turn. At the helm of our operation today stand the Barker brothers, Michael and Tim. With a seamless transition as they assumed leadership from their father, the Barker team has evolved into a well-oiled machine, driven by clearly defined KPIs and a resolute commitment to accountability.

Michael, our General Manager and primary buyer, and Tim, our Sales Leader, have dedicated the majority of their lives to the business. Their visionary leadership extends to assembling a team where each member complements the other, fostering a culture of unity and shared purpose.

To honour their father’s legacy, the Barker brothers have fostered a sense of kinship and a family atmosphere within the company, where former staff members have returned to play pivotal roles in our continued growth. This dedicated team has grown and adapted over generations, united by a singular goal: to deliver excellence each and every day, and to ensure that the Barker’s tradition of quality endures for years to come.