Business owners and people working in the hospitality, food and drink and tourism industries across the UK and Ireland are being encouraged to attend the biggest global event for chefs, which is being held in Wales in May.
Day and social event passes are now available for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16-19 – the only global event being held in Wales this year.
It’s a once in a generation opportunity to attend the event which is coming to the UK for the first time in its 98-year history.
The 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, themed ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’, is expected to attracted around 800 chefs worldwide to Wales and provides a huge opportunity to showcase hospitality and food and drink business in the UK and Ireland.
Whilst the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) is hosting the event in partnership with Worldchefs, all the Home Nations – The British Culinary Federation, Federation of Chefs Scotland, The Panel of Chefs Ireland – are contributing.
Delegates will have a chance to network with the world’s top chefs, hear a stellar line-up of speakers, including world-renowned chef Marco Pierre White, watch talented chefs in global competition finals and visit a wide range of exhibits in the Expo village.
People wishing to attend the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, have a wide range of packages open to them – visit https://www.worldchefscongress.org/register/ .
A Limited Access Delegate ticket offers flexible access to selected days or key networking events for professionals unable to attend the full congress.
Costing £220, the Day Pass includes access to Plenary Sessions, Expo and Global Chefs Challenge Finals together with lunch and coffee breaks on the selected day
The Ice Breaker Pass reception pass on May 16 costs £120, the Welcome Reception Pass on May 17 costs £140 and the Gala Dinner Pass on May 19 costs £180, There is a 10% discounts for groups of 10 or more.
In partnership with the Celtic Manor Resort, CAW is holding the first ever Worldchefs Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 14. Chefs from all the Home Nations will each cook a course for a charity dinner on May 17 at ICC Wales, with money raised going to The Burnt Chef Project and Hospitality Action.
CAW president, Arwyn Watkins, OBE, is urging businesses and people working in the hospitality, food and drink and tourism industries across the UK and Ireland to ensure that the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 is a big success.
“This is golden opportunity to engage face to face with some of the most influential chefs from around the globe,” he said. “If a business is interested in exporting and finding new markets within Great Britian in the food service sector, then this is the event to attend in 2026
“More than 800 delegates from around the globe will be in attendance with 60% of the delegates identified as buyers and influencers within their own country. Original ideas start with interesting conversations.
“Delegates will hear insights from experts, have a chance to take part in immersive workshops to spark new ideas for their business or career and expand their network at official events with the largest culinary body worldwide.”
Team Wales – the CAW, ICC Wales, Celt Manor Resort and Welsh Government – has worked tirelessly since 1999 to secure the Worldchefs Congress & Expo. Even King Charles supported the bid whilst he was HRH The Prince of Wales.
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Notes for Editors:
Culinary Association of Wales:
The Culinary Association of Wales promotes excellence in the art of professional cookery within Wales. A partnership of professional chefs and caterers, the CAW’s mission is to develop and raise the culinary profile of Wales, its establishments and those working within them.
Worldchefs Congress & Expo
Worldchefs Congress & Expo brings together chef delegates and professionals from across the five continents to network and expand their professional bonds.
The event programme delivers presentations and workshops from leading experts in the industry, the Worldchefs Educators’ Forum, the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, the Global Chefs Challenge culinary competitions, an international trade exhibition and diverse networking activities.
Over the course of 96 years of history, Worldchefs Congress & Expo has been organized in 39 cities around the globe.
Worldchefs
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a dynamic global network of 110 chef associations worldwide.
A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries 91 years of history since its founding at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier.
Representing an 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 four core focus areas: education, networking, competition and humanitarian and sustainability programmes.
For more information, please contact Arwyn Watkins, Culinary Association of Wales president, on Tel: 01938 555893 or Duncan Foulkes, publicity officer, on Tel: 01686 650818.
