With an innovative lineup and an inspirational story to boot, Pork King Good offers alternative snacking options in a sector clamoring for diversity. I spoke with Lauren Koston, Owner, to learn more about how the company is seeking new growth opportunities. 
“What began as a direct-to-consumer gem in 2018 has quickly evolved into a retail sensation, breaking the mold and disrupting categories,” Lauren shared with me. “ As a brand, we have amassed a fanatically loyal following across the keto diet and gluten-free communities nationwide.”
Founded by Lauren and her husband, Rick, Pork King Good was a strategic risk that paid off. Both knew that consumers would appreciate its creative lineup of Pork Rinds, Seasonings, and Pork Rind Crumbs.
Fast forward five years, Pork King Good has acquired its manufacturer’s 75-year-old business in Wisconsin, acquired its competitor brand, Pork Panko, manufactures 47 different items out of that facility, processes 20,000 direct to consumer orders a month, and is experiencing explosive growth in retail—with 4,000 current locations and increasing quickly. 
“Besides being the only woman-owned pork rind manufacturer in the country, Pork King Good strives to provide all of the flavors of traditional potato chips, without the carbs! We cook our pork rinds in their own pork fat, producing a light and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth product unlike anything else on the market,” Lauren noted. “We also go heavy on seasoning, using quality, natural ingredients and avoiding MSG and maltodextrin."
With a whopping 14 flavors currently available, the brand has humorously been dubbed “The Ben & Jerry’s of Pork Rinds.” This praise does not come lightly, as the company works diligently to bring trending flavors to market.
“Flavor ideas stem from our desire to recreate classic potato chip flavors, as well as customer requests and feedback and our own personal preferences. All in all, we are our own audience and have always been making the snacks that we want to eat ourselves,” Lauren said.
With flavors that range from Dill Pickle to Birthday Cake, there’s absolutely something for everyone.
As the brand continues to grow in the retail sector, I asked Lauren how Pork King Good supports its partners.
“We’re a quick and nimble team that values relationships. With a focus on growing our retail presence, we leverage our large social media and email following to drive traffic. With an 85 percent repeat purchase rate online, Pork King Good’s customers are demanding more local retail availability and at this point don’t even want to wait two days for shipping,” Lauren explained. “We also offer tons of opportunities on the foodservice side, where restaurants and delis have been ecstatic about the brand’s bulk options for Pork Rind Crumbs as well as our unique Seasonings.”
Part of the team’s growth strategy is to transition from a pork rind-focused company to a low carb destination in general as it develops several new and exciting snack and meal options. More on that in 2024!
Stick around with Deli Market News as we cover the latest in the specialty food sector.
