Wales to Host the World ’ s Biggest Culinary Event in 2026

A Team Wales partnership has secured the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 for the nation.

Wales defeated Italy 28-24 in a final vote, announced by Worldchefs, to host the global event which is expected to attract 1,000 chefs and more than 5,000 visitors from 100 plus countries around the world.

The successful bid to host this event, which is held every two years, involved months of work and lobbying by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and partners ICC Wales, the Celtic Manor Resort and the Welsh Government.

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, said: “This is a significant landmark event for Wales. We have a provisional event date of May 2026 because we want to ensure that it runs while colleges across the United Kingdom are open and that they are all engaged. The hospitality industry has taken a hammering in the last few years and we want to raise awareness about the rewarding career opportunities that are available within it.”

EMPLOYEE WELLBEING