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DESCRIPTION:AN INVITATION Exeter will host Roots & Routes: Nourishing Diasporic Food Entrepreneurship on Saturday 20th June (10:00-18:00) at Exeter College (Hele Road Site), a one-day event bringing together diasporic food entrepreneurs, chefs, makers and cultural practitioners from across the South West. Inspired by Olia Hercules’s memoir Strong Roots, the gathering uses Ukrainian food traditions as a starting point for wider exchange between Hong Kong, West African, Syrian, Kurdish and other diasporic communities. The programme combines storytelling, practical skills sessions and a makers’ marketplace, creating opportunities to share food heritage, build networks and develop sustainable enterprises.   CALL FOR PARTICIPATION Roots & Routes invites diasporic food entrepreneurs, makers, chefs, and cultural storytellers from across the South West to take part in a cross-community gathering exploring food as heritage, memory, enterprise, and cultural resilience. Inspired by Olia Hercules’s family memoir Strong Roots, the event takes Ukrainian food traditions and entrepreneurship as a foundation, while opening up space for exchange across diasporic communities - including Hong Kong, West African, Syrian, Kurdish and others across the region.   Three Strands of the Day STORY Food, memory, migration, heritageShare the cultural meaning behind your food through storytelling, short talks (“MEZE” talks), and conversations that connect personal histories with wider diasporic journeys. SKILL Masterclasses, practical learning, enterprise survivalOffer or take part in hands-on sessions—kitchen demonstrations, workshops, and practical insights into building, sustaining, and growing food-based enterprises. MARKET Makers, products, networking, routes to customersPresent your products, test ideas, and connect with new audiences through our makers’ marketplace and networking opportunities with communities, institutions, and potential partners.   Who should apply:  Food entrepreneurs (early-stage to established) Community cooks and cultural practitioners Diasporic community members working with food Hospitality and food sector professionals Researchers, students and cultural organisations    Why take part:  Share your food, story and practice Connect with other makers and communities Grow your ideas or business Be part of shaping a new platform for diasporic food futures in the South West    How to apply: There is no application or participation fee. Please email Bryan Brown at B.Brown@exeter.ac.uk with a short description of your proposed contribution or complete our short application form here: https://forms.gle/rrVU42oAm6net1N68  Deadline: 25 May 2026   Featured Ukrainian Guests & Keynote Speakers   Olia Hercules Chef • Food Writer • Cultural Storyteller Olia Hercules is an internationally acclaimed Ukrainian chef, food writer and author whose work explores the deep connections between food, memory, migration and identity. Born in Ukraine and now based in the UK, Olia’s writing and cooking draw on Eastern European, Caucasian and Central Asian food traditions, reframing them through the lens of history, displacement and resilience. She is the author of several award-winning cookbooks, including Mamushka, Kaukasis, Summer Kitchens and Home Food. Beyond recipes, Olia’s work acts as a form of cultural diplomacy, preserving endangered culinary traditions while bringing Ukrainian food culture into global conversation. Her latest book, Strong Roots is a powerful memoir of her family’s history over the last century, ‘an ode to the land, to ideas of home and belonging, and to family stories and recipes passed down the generations’. Olia is also an outspoken advocate for Ukraine, using food as a powerful tool for storytelling, solidarity and cultural survival. In 2022, she co-founded the global initiative #CookForUkraine which has raised over 2 million pounds to date. Vadym Granovskiy Food Entrepreneur • Cultural Diplomat • Advocate for Ukrainian Makers Vadym Granovskiy is a Ukrainian food entrepreneur, community organiser, and cultural diplomat working at the intersection of diaspora food production, small business development and cultural exchange. Born in Ukraine and now based in the UK, Vadym is an international Barista champion for both Ukraine and UK, founder of Coffee in Action (a Ukrainian frontline initiative), creator of the Flat Red (a unique Ukrainian cultural symbol), and cultural diplomat for Ukraine. Vadym is currently at work on a book about the interconnected histories of Ukraine and coffee. With extensive experience supporting independent food makers, Vadym plays a key role in connecting Ukrainian producers, chefs and creatives with UK-based platforms and audiences. He is particularly interested in how food businesses can become vehicles for cultural continuity, economic resilience and ethical growth within displaced communities. Vadym brings a grounded, practical perspective to conversations about scaling, collaboration and sustaining food enterprises in the UK context.   Partners & Supporters Devon Ukrainian Association • Diverse Devon Together • Exeter College hospitality • University of Exeter Food Network • University of Exeter Routes Network • Food Plymouth • Local food & community partners  751251
DTSTAMP:20260515T212322
DTSTART:20260620T100000
DTEND:20260620T180000
LOCATION:Exeter College (Hele Road Site)
SUMMARY;LANGUAGE=en-us:Roots & Routes Nourishing Diasporic Food Entrepreneurship 
UID:bca455f80c61ca5448b6999bdb0d5c59@www.exeter.ac.uk
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