Wales has been selected to host the prestigious Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, a global event expected to bring 1,000 chefs from across the globe to Newport from 16-19 May 2026. The event will be a global meeting point for industry leaders, offering world-class educational sessions, culinary competitions, and networking opportunities.

The successful bid, led by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) in partnership with International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), the Celtic Manor Resort, and the Welsh Government, marks a major milestone for the nation’s culinary and hospitality industry. The event, held biennially, will serve as a platform to showcase Wales’ world-class produce, rich culinary heritage, and vibrant food and drink industry to an international audience.

“This is a significant landmark event for Wales. It’s the culinary equivalent of hosting the football World Cup finals,” said Arwyn Watkins, OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales. “The hard work starts now to ensure that we maximize this opportunity. Our goal is to create a lasting legacy by engaging culinary students and professionals across the UK, raising awareness about the rewarding career opportunities in hospitality.”

The theme for the 2026 Congress, “Pasture, Passion, Plate,” reflects the journey of food from its origins to the final dish, celebrating sustainability, craftsmanship, and the love of cooking.

• Pasture represents the land, the source of our ingredients, and the commitment to sustainable agriculture. Wales’ lush landscapes and thriving farming traditions provide some of the world’s finest produce—from grass-fed lamb to artisan cheeses and fresh seafood.
• Passion is the driving force behind every great chef, farmer, and food producer, fueling innovation while honoring tradition.
• Plate is the final destination, where ingredients and creativity come together to tell a story of culture, history, and sustainability.

ICC Wales’ late Chief Executive Ian Edwards had expressed his excitement for the event, stating, “Hosting this prestigious congress is a brilliant opportunity to showcase Wales’ wealth of produce and growing food industry to the world. With our track record of hosting major international events, we are confident in delivering an unforgettable experience.”

Former Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths added, “This will be a tremendous opportunity to showcase Welsh produce to the world. Congratulations to everyone involved in securing this achievement.”

“We look forward to bringing this global gathering to such a vibrant culinary destination. Wales’ rich food heritage, commitment to sustainability, and passion for hospitality make it the perfect stage for this edition of our industry’s most influential event,” says Worldchefs Managing Director Ragnar Fridriksson. “The Worldchefs team looks forward to working closely with our Welsh partners to create an unforgettable experience for chefs and culinary professionals worldwide.”

In addition, internationally renowned Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE has been announced as an Ambassador for the Culinary Association of Wales, adding further prestige and visibility to the event.

“It’s a huge coup and an honor for the Culinary Association of Wales to have Katherine as our ambassador,” said Arwyn Watkins, OBE. “Her global influence will help elevate the profile of this major international culinary event and showcase Wales on the world stage.”

The Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 will take place from 16–19 May 2026 at ICC Wales, with delegates accommodated at the Celtic Manor Resort and surrounding hotels.

For more information and to register, visit worldchefscongress.org.

About Worldchefs Congress & Expo

The global leading platform that brings together chef delegates and professionals from across the five continents, Worldchefs Congress & Expo delivers a unique program to help industry players network and expand their professional bonds. 

This includes presentations and workshops from leading experts in the industry, impactful educational programs including the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, specialized events designed to uplift the next generation of chefs such as the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, the Global Chefs Challenge Finals culinary competition, an international trade exhibition, and diverse activities to enhance both your personal and professional network. 

For more information on Worldchefs Congress, kindly refer here: www.worldchefscongress.org

What to expect? Here is a recap of Worldchefs Congress 2024: https://youtu.be/5CmRuQ2dzWU 

About Worldchefs

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a federation made up of 110 national chef associations. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries years of history since its founding in 1928 at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier.

Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.

Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:

• Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Culinary Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality;
• Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world through their online community platform and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
• Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;
• Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
• Visit www.worldchefs.org to learn more.