Wales hosting the world’s biggest culinary event in May 2026

All eyes from the global culinary community will be on Newport in May as Worldchefs Congress & Expo—the most influential gathering of chefs, educators, and industry leaders—arrives in Wales for the first time in its 98-year history. Bringing together delegates from across five continents, the four-day congress promises a dynamic blend of networking, education, competition and cultural immersion.

Winning the right to host the Congress has been a long-term ambition for the Culinary Association of Wales. Following near success in the 2020 bid and securing victory over Italy in the 2022 international vote, Wales now prepares to showcase its culinary heritage on a global stage. Reflecting on the milestone, organiser and Meet In Wales Conference Ambassador, Arwyn Watkins OBE, says: “This Congress is more than an event - it is Wales’ invitation to the world. Every delegate who arrives will receive a warm Welsh welcome, a true sense of place, and a deeper understanding of our food and drink culture. We want them to leave with an ambition to return and enjoy more of what Wales has to offer.”

The 2026 edition centres on the theme ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’ - honouring the journey of food from its origins to its final dish and the universal connections formed through food. The programme includes:

• Presentations and workshops from internationally renowned culinary experts
• Worldchefs Educators’ Forum - advancing best-practice in global culinary education
• Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum - empowering the next generation of culinary talent
• Global Chefs Challenge - elite chefs competing across multiple categories
• International trade exhibition - spotlighting innovation, suppliers and specialists
• Networking experiences - designed to build long-term professional relationships

For the first time, Wales will have a significant imprint on the programme, with featured appearances from leading Welsh chefs and a unique collaboration with Food and Drink Wales to showcase Welsh food export opportunities and culture. “The programme reflects the spirit of Wales,” Watkins adds. “Our land, our passion, and the plate are inseparable - and this Congress will demonstrate the power of that connection to the world.”

As well as receiving support from Welsh Government, the team partnered with ICC Wales throughout the bid, and the event is set to be a flagship moment for Wales’ international events strategy, as it is expected to generate global visibility for Welsh culinary innovation, sustainability, tourism and hospitality.

From the rolling pastures that shape its produce to the warmth and pride of its people, Wales intends to deliver an experience rooted in authenticity. Delegates will be encouraged not only to learn and compete, but to explore - discovering first-hand why Wales is a distinct and powerful voice in the global food and drink landscape.

As preparations accelerate ahead of the event’s arrival in May, Watkins shares his personal hope for what delegates will take away from their time in Wales: “We want every visitor to travel home not only with new knowledge and new connections, but with a memory of Wales that stays with them - its food, its stories, its people.”