The story of Grumpy Grandma’s so far…

Grumpy Grandma’s began in 1998, when Alan and Denyse Hodgson planted a mixed-variety olive grove in Jiggi, among the rolling hills of the Northern Rivers hinterland. Actually, the first brand was named Summerland Olives, it became Grumpy Grandma’s in 2014.

Through hard work, plenty of trial and error, and even study trips to Sicily, they transformed their grove into a much-loved local producer of Australian olives and olive oil.

Tim and Lynne had been buying Grumpy Grandma’s products at their local farmers market every week since moving to the region. So, when Alan and Denyse decided it was time to step back from farm life in 2017, the opportunity felt like a natural fit.

At the time, Tim was commuting to Sydney each week to work behind the scenes on television programs including MasterChef Australia and My Kitchen Rules. Each Sunday-night flight was becoming harder to board.

Meanwhile, Lynne was working in the horticulture sector and understood both the rewards and realities of farming. The couple also had 44 beautiful acres in the Byron Bay hinterland that they wanted to put to productive use.

Taking on Grumpy Grandma’s offered them the chance to build something of their own, together. 

Learning, growing and doing the hard work

Alan and Denyse were enormously generous with their knowledge during the transition. Sadly, Denyse has since passed away, but Tim and Lynne remain in touch with Alan and are proud to continue the business they created.

Tim and Lynne planted olive trees on their home farm almost immediately. They later purchased an established grove in South East Queensland, allowing them to grow additional olive varieties better suited to a drier climate.

The first few years were very busy. Tim attended the farmers markets while also packing olive oil, drying and smoking olives, and keeping production moving. Lynne planted trees on weekends and looked after the Queensland grove. The paperwork was done at night.

A few local mums gradually joined them to help with production, but for a long time, almost every part of the business passed through Tim and Lynne’s hands.

“It was crazy busy, but it was so satisfying to build something for ourselves and be our own bosses,” Lynne says.

Farming with care

Lynne left her day job in 2020, allowing the couple to expand production, improve productivity, introduce glass packaging and place greater focus on making their products available to customers online.

Across their groves, Tim and Lynne take an organic approach to farming, although they have chosen not to pursue formal organic certification due to its cost and complexity. Their direct relationships with customers, particularly those they see regularly at Northern Rivers farmers markets, give them the opportunity to explain how their olives are grown and answer questions openly.

Farming ensures there is always something new to learn. Whether they are improving production processes, managing birds at harvest time or fixing machinery, Tim and Lynne enjoy solving the problems that come with growing and making food.

“It’s a very busy life and sometimes hard to balance everything, but it’s hugely satisfying,” Lynne says.

A family business with plenty still to come

Tim and Lynne make a strong team, built on complete trust in one another.

“Whenever we come across a difficult problem, we work through it together and somehow arrive at the best solution,” Lynne says.

Today, Grumpy Grandma’s produces a delicious range of Australian-grown table olives, semi-dried olives, extra virgin olive oils and infused oils. You can shop online or meet Tim at one of the regular Northern Rivers farmers markets for a chat about all things olive.

The next chapter is already taking shape, with new products in development and hopes that the children will become more involved in the business over the coming decade, along with, if Lynne and Tim get their wish, a little more time with the grandchildren.