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.

Jerry Bernard, Irish Sales Manager

“I’m a farmer’s son from south Cork, so it’s no surprise that food has always been close to my heart.”

A love of the land inspired me to study Food Science at UCC. Then wanderlust took me to Saudi Arabia where I started my career in food. But the lure of the Emerald Isle was too much to resist and I made my way back to Ireland after some time in the UK.

I made Wexford my home and I haven’t looked back. My journey with Drover Foods has been a rollercoaster. I’ve seen it transform from a small indigenous company, producing fresh sausages for the local community in Wexford town, to its current position as a key partner to some of the biggest global brands.

Lynn Gage, Innovation Consultant

“I can’t stop thinking about food! Whether it’s the ocean view from my kitchen window or the seductive aromas of London’s street food stalls, I get so much inspiration no matter where I go.”

After finishing my Home Economics Degree in Glasgow (yes I really am that old!), I quickly realised that food manufacturing opportunities were slim in Scotland for a hungry graduate, so I packed my bags and moved south!

From Geest to Samworths I gained invaluable experience with some of the industry’s heaviest hitters, where I got the chance to work on in a range of products from ready meals to dressings, sandwiches and salads. This gave me great exposure to customers and suppliers around the globe. But most importantly it opened my eyes to a world of amazing food styles and cuisines.

While in Wexford (one of the prettier places to do a supplier visit!) I met Drover Foods and the rest is history. I work on innovation, putting passion and fun into exciting new food products.

Léan O’Connor, NPD Manager

“My journey to a career in the food industry definitely took the scenic route but I’ve finally arrived and the view couldn’t be better!”

I’ve always loved animals, from working on a small cattle farm as a kid, where I kept my pet horse, to spending weekends and school holidays on my grandparent’s dairy farm.

After graduating from UCC with a BSc in Zoology I took a breather to decide what direction my career should take. It was while working part time in a local hotel that I discovered my obsession for food. I immersed myself in menu development, ingredient sourcing and constantly badgered the chefs for information - my fate was sealed!

I completed a Master’s Degree in Food Science & Technology, then my horse and I packed our bags and moved to the sunny south-east to begin our respective careers in new product development and hay eating.

What I love about my role in Drover Foods is that I get the chance to work closely with our partners in a fast paced, highly creative environment.

Risteard Kinsella, Production Manager

“For me, family get-togethers have always revolved around food. Good food has always been my passion so it came as no surprise when my passion became my career.”

Born into a small family farm in the sunny south-east with an ingrained love for all things agriculture, I was always destined for a career in the sector. Following a BSc in Agricultural Science from UCD, I ventured across the city to DCU and completed a MSc in Business Management. The food industry was calling me. I completed a graduate programme in Production and Manufacturing. After five enjoyable years in the area, I decided it was time for a change. I moved onto the Distribution side of things where I spent a further two years getting to grips with the logistics involved with the movement of goods. Now, I’m delighted to be a member of the vibrant team at Drover Foods, always striving for excellence. I’m excited to work here because I’m able to entwine all aspects of Food Innovation and Manufacturing.

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!