World's top chefs head to Wales next year to compete in global competition

The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Gwent, is to be the focus for the gathering of some of the world's leading chefs in October 2021.

The Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge will be hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) in conjunction with the resort, the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) and the Welsh government, from 23-26 October.

Chefs will compete in the finals of three categories: the Global Chefs Challenge, the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge and the Global Young Chefs Challenge. Worldchefs is a global network of 105 chef associations representing more than 10 million professional chefs worldwide.

Arwyn Watkins, CAW president, said: "The Global Chefs Challenge will provide a fantastic showcase of culinary skills and everything that Wales has to offer. Against the current backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, this announcement should be welcome news for the hospitality industry. Hopefully, the event will support the steps being taken to help Wales bounce back from the economic impact of this pandemic."

Ian Edwards, chief executive of ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort, added: "Our culinary philosophy is a big part of what we do at ICC Wales and hosting this prestigious event would be a brilliant opportunity to showcase Wales' wealth of produce as well as our growing food and drink industry to an international audience."

Celtic Manor Resort previously hosted the Worldchefs European Congress in 2017.