Wales defeats Italy in vote to host the world’s biggest culinary event

The world’s biggest culinary event is coming to Wales in 2026 after Wales defeated Italy 28-24 in a final vote.

The Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 is expected to attract 1,000 chefs and more than 5,000 visitors from 100 plus countries around the world to the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) and the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport in three years time.

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.

The congress will be held at ICC Wales, with delegates accommodated at Celtic Manor Resort and hotels in the surrounding area.

It’s the second time that Team Wales has sought to host Worldchefs Congress & Expo, having previously lost to Singapore by just four votes two years ago when bidding for the 2024 event.

World Cup finals

Arwyn Watkins, OBE, CAW president, said: “This is a significant landmark event for Wales. It’s the culinary equivalent of Wales hosting the football World Cup finals.

“We are delighted to have received the support of 28 countries around the world, including all the home nations. I thank Worldchefs for conducting an open and transparent voting process and Italy for a fair and close contest.

“Wales has won the event on merit. The hard work starts now to maximise this huge opportunity that has been awarded to Wales. The congress theme will be ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’ and how the event benefits future generations.

“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. That has to be the legacy of this event.

“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.”

Thrilled

Ian Edwards, ICC Wales chief executive, added: “ICC Wales is thrilled that the Team Wales partnership has won the vote to host the Worldchefs Congress & Expo in 2026.

“Our culinary philosophy is a big part of what we do at ICC Wales and hosting this prestigious event will provide a brilliant opportunity to showcase Wales’ amazing wealth of produce, as well as our growing food and drink industry, to an international audience.

“With our proven track record for hosting some of world’s largest events, such as The Ryder Cup, 2014 NATO Summit and last year’s World Cheese Awards, we know how to manage and deliver events with passion, care and distinction.”

Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths added: “This is great news and I’m very pleased Wales will be hosting the Worldchefs Congress in 2026. It will be a tremendous opportunity to showcase Welsh produce to the world.