Hotelier (Headfort Arms, Kells), producer (Maperath Farm and Kells Gin) and regional leader in collaborative food tourism, Olivia Duff’s role in Irish food is multifaceted.
Whilst Olivia’s name is synonymous with the Boyne Valley, as founding, creator of the Boyne Valley Food series, she has inspired other regions in following suit in telling their food story and is now working with a passionate team towards creating Ireland’s first Centre of Food Culture.
Awarded the Mike Butt Award from the RAI this year for her contribution to Irish Food and Drink, Olivia continues day to day at the coalface in the hospitality industry dealing with suppliers, chefs and visitors, but she is also a food producer, passionate about “the journey food takes, the journey it should take, from farm to table and the need to educate future generations of this.
Olivia has presented at global and national forums on network formation, food tourism and collaboration has contributed to various publications and is the programme director of the ‘Samhain’ Food Festival (November 3-6, Kells).