Drover Foods, Fresh Ideas in Food

Anne Smyth, Managing Director

My passion for food began back in the mid 80s. A summer spent packing cooked streaky bacon gave me my first taste of the fast paced world of food production - I was hooked!

I combined an interest in science and maths with my growing food obsession and completed Food Science & Technology at UCC. My studies took me from the Rebel County to the Great Lakes of Michigan.

One PhD and a Post Doctorate later, I moved back to Ireland to take up a lecturing post but I yearned for the cut and thrust of the commercial world. I cut my teeth at Dew Valley Foods developing innovative new products with some of the industry’s biggest brands - Burger King, Samworths, 2Sisters, Greencore, EAT and Greggs.

In the mid 2000s I returned to my home in County Wexford to join my Dad at Drover Foods. Since then I’m proud to have grown alongside the company’s significant success. We’ve doubled our sales in the last three years and are privileged to partner with some of the biggest blue-chip customers in the UK. As well as being Mum to two soccer crazy boys, it’s my job to focus on driving our shared vision - to constantly find fresh new ways to excite the market.

Laura Kelly, ERP Systems Controller

“When you’re surrounded by people who have your back, it’s easy to stay motivated and excited about what’s next.”

My journey with Drover Foods began during my final year of a BSc in Culinary Science at TU Dublin, and since that first day I’ve never looked back!

I've always had a passion for food and, from an early age, I knew the food industry was where I belonged. Stepping into a role with Drover Foods while still studying felt like the perfect move, and gave me a head start in my career too. My first role was in the technical department, where my hunger for knowledge spurred me on to pursue an MSc in Food Safety at UCD.

What I love most about working here is the energy and variety that comes with each day. The challenges keep me on my toes and having a supportive, collaborative team makes even the toughest tasks feel manageable.

When I’m not at work, you’ll find me pushing my limits at CrossFit or out on a run. Staying active helps me clear my mind and stay focused, while the discipline I build in training definitely fuels my drive in my professional life too.

Sarah Hobbert, New Product Development Manager

“Whether it’s in the production kitchen or on the pitch I love the challenge of a fast-paced environment.”

My journey with Drover Foods has only just begun and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!

I got a first taste for just how dynamic the world of NPD could be during a six-month work placement at Drover in the summer of 2023. I was studying for a degree in Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship at UCC at the time and jumped at the chance to join the team in Wexford. This first taste of innovation confirmed that I was on the right track in my career journey! Not only did I fall in love with the products, but I also relished the dynamic work environment too.

After graduating, I took up a full time position with Drover Foods and I haven’t looked back. My recent studies bring a fresh perspective and a passion to the Drover Team. I love the fact that the NPD opportunities are so diverse and exciting.

The fast paced environment doesn’t stop when I’m at home. I’m obsessed with sport and my downtime is spent playing Football and Camogie with my local team. In fact, sport has armed me with the skills to thrive on challenges and understand the true value of teamwork.

Neil Howlin, Production Manager

“No day is ever the same at Drover Foods! It’s the satisfaction of overcoming the daily challenges that makes my job so rewarding.”

I’ve been part of Drover Foods’ exciting journey for over 13 years now. Over that time I’ve witnessed its evolution and growth trajectory firsthand. One of the great things about working at Drover Foods is the support you receive in terms of career progression. During my time here, I’ve been encouraged to grow and develop my skills.

As the newly appointed production manager at Drover Foods, I am thrilled to now contribute to Drover's success in a new capacity. I can’t wait to rise to the challenge in my new role. It’s a hectic, but incredibly rewarding environment. As a business we need to navigate our way through constant change, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

In my spare time I find both solace and joy in the game of golf. Not only does it recharge my spirit, golf has also instilled the values of teamwork, strategy and perseverance that I bring to my professional role every day.

Lee-Anne O’Keeffe, Technical Manager

“More than 10 years on and two kids later, I feel just as fresh and excited as I did when I started on day one. I love working for this company in a place I call home!”

As the daughter of a South Wexford farmer, I grew up amidst agriculture, home baking and fresh produce – so a love of food comes as no surprise. A BSc in Quality Management and Applied Biology piqued my curiosity even more so – could I make a career of my natural passion? By the time I completed my MSc in Food Business at UCC, I knew I could!

From my time as a fledgling quality assurance officer to my promotion to the role of technical manager, my experience at Kerry Foods provided an invaluable opportunity to gain technical insight and knowledge from field to fork. In 2006, I returned home for a golden opportunity - joining the team at Drover Foods. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength, but the great core values it instills into its people have stayed the same.

Michael Cody, Financial Director

“Joining the team in 2005 was a game changer. Everyone is so passionate - our love of food and customer focus drives us to go beyond expectations. It makes coming to work every day challenging but very enjoyable.”

Growing up on a family farm in Tipperary means that farming, food and a strong work ethic have always been in my blood. With a natural flair for numbers, I qualified as an accountant and once London beckoned, I spent 12 years in the world of investment banking.

I rented a room there from a Wexford accountant. While he overcharged me on the rent, he made it up to me when he introduced me to his sister. Bridget (also an accountant) and I were married soon after. The year 2005 was exceptional for me personally and professionally - I joined Drover Foods in September and my first daughter Ella was born just one month later. We now have three girls and a boy, a very busy and happy household.

Pat Smyth, Chairman

“Family has always meant so much to me. As well as my wife, four children, seven grandsons and one granddaughter I’m also lucky to have the company of the extended Drover Foods family close by.”

Born into a farming family in Co Carlow, I studied Agricultural Science in UCD. A scholarship took me to California where I gained a PhD, a beautiful wife and a little baby boy! After spending a free-spirited six months exploring the States in a camper van, I had a longing to bring my young family back to Ireland. On my return, I briefly flirted with academia but found the world of business much more thrilling and challenging.

From my very first job, 50 years ago in Hanley’s of Rooskey, I’ve been privileged to be part of the evolution of the food/meat industry in Ireland and of Drover Foods. It has really been a remarkable journey in a relatively short period of time, with many twists and turns along the way, from meat price cycles, to currency fluctuations and brand new innovations. I am now retired from most day to day activities in the business, but love coming into the factory on a daily basis to continue to see the changes...and offer my advice when asked!