About Us
Our Story
We’re John and Lauren Dowling — the husband-and-wife team behind Grunt Pork. Based in the Riverina region of New South Wales, we’re passionate about producing high-quality, handcrafted pork products and supporting local communities through good, honest food.
Our journey began back in 2013 with just two sows and a boar affectionately known as The Unit. What started as a humble hobby quickly became something more. We were struck by the intelligence and charm of pigs and inspired by the potential to raise them with care, respect, and purpose.
Why "Grunt" Pork?
The name Grunt Pork comes from the distinctive noise pigs make — a deep, hearty grunt that reflects their character and strength. It’s a name that stuck, and one that reminds us of where we started and why we do what we do.
Our Roots in Farming
We both grew up on family farms and studied agricultural degrees before building careers in farm management and agribusiness across New South Wales. In 2015, we purchased a property near Narrandera to pursue our dream of producing ethical, sustainable pork from the ground up.
Though we no longer raise pigs ourselves, our connection to farming remains strong. We now source our pork from a trusted network of Australian pig farmers who share our values around animal welfare, quality, and responsible farming.
The Smokehouse
At the heart of Grunt Pork is our smokehouse — where we craft small-batch pork products using traditional methods and hands-on care. From our signature Aussie bacon to kabana and ham, every item is made with pride and precision.
In 2021, we proudly welcomed Codemo Smallgoods, a much-loved Griffith business, into the Grunt Pork family. Today, we continue their long-standing tradition of producing authentic Italian-style salami and smallgoods using old-school techniques and real ingredients.
Where to Find Us
You’ll find our products in a growing number of independently owned supermarkets, butchers, and specialty grocers across regional New South Wales and Victoria. We’ve stepped back from home delivery to focus on supporting these local stockists — the small businesses that keep our communities thriving.
What’s Next
We’re excited to share that we’re working towards opening our own Grunt Pork shopfront in Leeton, giving locals the chance to buy direct from us, straight from the source. It’s a new chapter we can’t wait to write — one that brings us even closer to the people who’ve supported our journey.
Our Promise
Grunt Pork is about more than just meat. It’s about care, community, and staying true to our roots. We’re proud to support Australian farmers, to make real food the traditional way, and to keep delivering the quality and flavour our customers have come to know and love.
