Wales Welcomes Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026: A Gourmet Gateway To Welsh Food, Culture And Tourism!

Published on December 10, 2025

Wales will be the leading location on the global culinary map when the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) holds the 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo at ICC Wales in Newport from May 16 to 19, 2026. The event is considered by the organizers to be an extraordinary occasion, as they expect about 1,000 chefs and over five thousand visitors from more than hundred countries to attend.

For Wales with its scenic landscapes, rich culinary traditions and a growing hospitality sector, the Congress offers much more than an international gathering. It promises a tourism and cultural showcase, inviting travellers to savour Welsh flavours, explore heritage and discover a land where food and place are deeply intertwined.

A theme rooted in land and legacy: Pasture, Passion, Plate

The Congress theme, “Pasture, Passion, Plate” captures the journey from farmstead to dining table, emphasising sustainability, craftsmanship and culinary creativity.

Under this banner, CAW aims to highlight Wales’ abundant natural produce: grass-fed lamb and beef, fresh seafood from the Welsh coast, artisanal cheeses and seasonal vegetables, all echoing the country’s farming heritage and coastal bounty.

For travellers, this is an invitation: attend the Congress, then linger longer to experience the rural valleys, coastal towns, and vibrant food culture that inspired the dishes. As the organisers say, the event is not just about cooking, it’s about giving a real sense of place when delegates arrive.

Showcasing Welsh culinary heritage: What’s on the plate

Attendees and visitors alike can expect a rich sampling of traditional Welsh cuisine. Among dishes likely to feature:

• Cawl — a hearty stew of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and seasonal vegetables, often regarded as Wales’ national dish.
• Welsh Rarebit — a comforting, cheesy toast dish using potent Welsh cheddar, traditionally mixed with ale or mustard and grilled to golden perfection.
• Laverbread — a seaweed-based delicacy from the Welsh coastline, sometimes called “Welshman’s caviar,” reflecting the maritime heritage of coastal Wales.
• Welsh cakes — small griddle-cooked cakes (or bakestones) with dried fruit and spices, perfect with tea and much beloved across Wales.
• Artisanal cheeses and locally-reared meats — including award-winning cheeses like Caerphilly cheese and top-quality Welsh lamb and beef, reflecting Wales’ agricultural strengths.

In addition to the traditional fare, the Congress via its Expo and Global Chef Challenges will also spotlight modern interpretations and innovations using these native ingredients, blending heritage and contemporary gastronomy.

Boosting travel, tourism and the Welsh hospitality sector

Hosting a world-class event like the Worldchefs Congress & Expo is a strategic win for Wales’ travel and tourism ambitions. According to CAW leadership, this Congress is akin to hosting a “football World Cup final” for food lovers.

For the tourism sector, the timing could not be better: May is one of the most pleasant months to visit Wales, when spring is in full bloom, landscapes are green, and weather relatively mild, ideal for combining the Congress with excursions across the countryside, coastlines and cultural sites.

Moreover, the event encourages collaboration between hospitality businesses, local producers, farms, restaurants and travel operators potentially generating new food-tourism packages, farm-to-table dining experiences, regional food trails, and much-needed revival and investment in the industry after recent global disruptions. CAW itself has positioned the Congress as a launchpad to raise awareness about hospitality careers and to showcase Wales’ growing food and drink industry to an international audience.

Finally, for global travellers and food tourists, the Congress offers an immersive gateway into Welsh culture from heritage recipes and local produce to coastlines, countryside and coastal seafood markets making Wales a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic culinary travel.

What the coming months hold

In the run-up to the Congress, CAW, in partnership with ICC Wales and local government, will be releasing more details: from accommodation options (including stays at Celtic Manor Resort) to city guides for Newport, side-trips across Wales, local food tours, and curated experiences combining flavour and landscape.

For travellers interested in exploring Wales whether as industry professionals, food enthusiasts or curious tourists now is a good time to consider registering, planning side-trips and building an itinerary that blends the Congress with the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage, nature and cuisine.

Bottom Line

In the words of CAW, this Congress is not just going to be a memory for Wales, but a chance to create business partnerships that last and a legacy that puts Welsh hospitality, tourism, and food culture on the global map.