This Monday marks the beginning of the highly anticipated 2024 Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) which is currently underway at ICC Wales in Newport.
Over 3 days, nearly a thousand hospitality professionals including chefs, butchers, and front-of-house workers will compete in what promises to be Wales' largest ever hospitality skills event.
The WICC, scheduled for January 22-24 and orchestrated by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), represents a significant milestone in ICC Wales' transition into becoming the leading Welsh Hospitality Hub.
Showcases distinguished finals in display competitions, which consist of the National and Junior Chef of Wales, the Welsh Craft Butcher of the Year, and the Green Chef Challenge.
The following five competitions will take place: the Cygnet Gin Cocktail Mixology class, the Wales heats for the Major Chefs Challenge, and the 2024 Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef Challenge, along with some other contests.
Tomorrow marks the day for both the National Chef of Wales and Welsh Craft Butcher of the Year competitions. Subsequently, the Junior Chef of Wales contest is set for Tuesday, and the Green Chef Challenge will occur on Wednesday.
Beyond individual class awards, recognitions include honors for the college with the most accumulated points, the top-performing junior learner, and the best open live class chef.
Skills Competition Wales is a Welsh Government-backed initiative aimed at boosting skills recognition in Wales, forming part of the Inspiring Skills Excellence Programme.
Students, trainees, and apprentices are encouraged to participate in sector competitions to test their abilities, learn, and grow professionally.
The WICC serves as an important precursor, according to Arwyn Watkins, the esteemed president of CAW and OBE recipient, for Wales' successful hosting of the World chefs Congress and Expo 2026 at ICC Wales.