Worldchefs Congress 2026: A Historic Success Celebrated in Wales

The 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, which took place in May in Wales, has concluded with “overwhelmingly positive feedback” from attendees and stakeholders, marking a significant moment in culinary history.

A Milestone Event

Held at the ICC Wales in Newport, this event attracted nearly 1,000 delegates from 70 countries, making it a landmark gathering as it was the first time the congress visited the UK in its 98-year history. Arwyn Watkins, president of the Culinary Association of Wales, reflected on the journey to host the congress, noting, "We started the arduous journey to bring the Worldchefs Congress & Expo to Wales 12 years ago and the positive feedback from delegates underlines what an amazing event it was and how it put our small country on the world stage."

Impressive Engagement and Participation

The congress not only showcased culinary talent but also achieved substantial digital engagement, generating over 11.5 million impressions on social media and attracting 263,537 website visitors. Furthermore, the event secured 162 media mentions, emphasizing its global importance.

Spotlight on Culinary Talents

The Global Chefs Challenge finals featured 72 chefs showcasing their skills in an exciting competition. Among the remarkable performances, Calum Smith, head chef for Independents by Sodexo at Shrewsbury School, earned an impressive third place in the Global Young Chefs Challenge Final, representing the growing talent in the culinary scene.

This successful congress not only highlights the culinary excellence but also reinforces the United Kingdom’s role as a significant player in the global gastronomic community.