Meet ‘meaty’ makers and creators in The Murray

Meet ‘meaty’ makers and creators in The Murray

With rolling hills, Australia’s longest river system and nearby mountain ranges, farmers in our region know how perfect the Murray River region is for producing quality meat.

Agriculture and farming have been a key industry in the Murray River region for centuries, with farms and local producers dating back more than three generations.

Not only do our local producers supply their cuts of meat to local Murray River restaurants, but they also supply award-winning international establishments and display in the cold food section of some of Australia’s prominent retailers.

Get to know two of our ‘meaty’ makers and creators in our region below.

Pacdon Park, Moama

Meet Jim and Pete from Pacdon Park, creators of traditional British pork products, such as scotch eggs, black pudding, pork pies and their world-famous haggis.

If you’re wondering how two lads from Lancashire, UK ended up starting their business in Echuca Moama, it was by chance that Jim’s godfather had settled in Echuca and established a pig farm.

After visiting briefly in 2001, Jim returned five years later with Pete – a College friend and soon-to-be business partner who had a passion for food and cooking but lack of enthusiasm for the chef trade. Seeing a gap in the market for traditional British pork pies, Pacdon Park was born.

While Jim had pig farming experience and Pete culinary experience, it wasn’t an easy task for two emigrants to get business capital to set up shop and get the business underway.

Getting their business name from the farm name where their first factory was built in rural New South Wales – Pacdon Park Farm – Jim and Pete converted an old dairy shed into their first commercial kitchen.

Located 50km from the nearest town and relying on backpackers to work in the factory were just two of the challenges they faced to get the business off the ground.

Their luck changed when a local reporter heard about their business and ran an article in The Age and from that moment on, their phone rang of the hook with people searching for their distinctly British fare.

Now located in Moama, thanks to the generosity of a Qantas pilot who loved their haggis and offered the use of a property 10km from town, the team are now equipped to expand on their production and offering.

Driven by delivering quality free-range, natural products, with minimal preservatives has seen their products land in specialty retailers such as Harris Farm.

While Pacdon Park is no stranger to accolades and awards, it’s knowing how their products create meaningful connections for their customers, such as bringing back childhood memories that mean the most to Jim and Pete.

Shop online for the best local produce in the Murray

Murray Pure, Albury

For three generations, the family behind Murray Pure has been processing meat from their Upper Murray River facility, delivering Australian grass-fed beef, lamb and goat cuts around the world.

However, it’s only since 2018 the Murray Pure brand came to life and their products hit the domestic market. The brand gained further exposure when it showcased their quality meat at the 2019 Good Food and Wine show, which was distributed to Australian renowned chefs to use during their cooking demonstrations.

Located near Albury Wodonga, the climate and landscape of the region play a crucial role in delivering their premium product, with livestock raised in their natural state all year round on fresh pastures.

Working with up to 50 local farmers, not only is the best livestock selected for the Murray Pure label to ensure the brand delivers on its promise of delivering hand-selected fine Aussie cuts, but it ensures low food miles from pasture to processing.

While the brand may be new, the rich history and agricultural experience of the network of farmers and Murray Pure family have seen their produce land on the menus of renowned restaurants. Taste the difference yourself at local fine-dining restaurants such as Miss Amelie and Bistro Selle, as well as establishments as far abroad as Kuala Lumper and Japan.

Passionate about ensuring fair business practices, Murray Pure supplies its products through wholesalers to help land on restaurant menus throughout Australia.

Keep your eyes out for the Murray Pure label when next dining.

See what else is produced in our region and get a taste of The Murray delivered right to your door.