At Fresh and Tasty Microgreens, we are beyond excited to be part of the Welsh International Culinary Championships 2025 (WICC) as one of the proud sponsors of this prestigious event. It's a huge honour! Taking place from Monday, January 20th, to Wednesday, January 22nd, at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) in Newport, this three-day extravaganza is a celebration of Welsh culinary, hospitality, and butchery talent.
What Makes the Culinary Association of Wales WICC 2025 Unmissable?
This year’s WICC promises to be bigger and better than ever, with around 150 chefs, front-of-house staff, apprentices, and students showcasing their exceptional skills. The event highlights not only the creativity and dedication of these professionals but also the incredible quality of Welsh food and drink.
The ICC Wales will transform into a bustling hub of culinary excellence as competitors vie for four coveted national titles, including the National Chef of Wales, Junior Chef of Wales, Vegan Chef of Wales, and Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year.
Packed Schedule of Competitions and Events
Here’s what’s in store at WICC 2025:
Monday, January 20th
National Chef of Wales Finals: Ten talented chefs will cook three courses for 12 diners, featuring GI Welsh ingredients, our Fresh and Tasty Microgreens and Cygnet Gin.
Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year Finals: Two butchers will showcase their skills with Welsh Lamb, transforming a carcass into a visually stunning display.
Tuesday, January 21st
Skills Competition Wales: Students and apprentices compete in various hospitality and butchery skills classes.
Wednesday, January 22nd
Vegan Chef of Wales Finals: Chefs will create an innovative three-course menu featuring microgreens and other key components.
Junior Chef of Wales Finals: Young chefs will prepare a pescatarian meal with trout, plant-based elements, and decadent desserts.
The winners of all competitions will be announced at a glamorous awards dinner on Wednesday evening.
Talent to Watch
The WICC showcases some of the finest culinary talent in Wales. Highlights include:
National Chef of Wales Finals: Returning finalists include Wayne Barnard from Caerphilly and Matthew Owen from Cardiff. Newcomer Jordan Howorth, who contributed to Culinary Team Wales’ success at the Alen Thong Golden Coffee Pot Challenge, also joins the lineup.
Vegan Chef of Wales Finals: Former National Chef of Wales winner Ryan Jones will compete alongside colleagues Rebekah Wright and Byron Burns from Celtic Manor Resort.
Junior Chef of Wales Finals: Last year’s third-place winner Katie Duffy will compete alongside Junior Culinary Team Wales captain Calum Smith.
These talented chefs will prepare dishes that showcase the very best of Welsh ingredients, including GI Welsh Beef, trout, Cygnet Gin, and our microgreens.
Visit the WICC – Free Entry!
The WICC is open to the public, free of charge, including local school pupils. Visitors can pre-book tickets to experience dishes cooked during the finals by emailing office@culinaryassociation.wales.
A Word from the Culinary Association of Wales
Arwyn Watkins, OBE, President of the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), shares: “It promises to be a fantastic three days of competitions to showcase the culinary, hospitality, and butchery talent, as well as the quality Welsh food and drink products, that we have here in Wales.”
Our Commitment to Excellence
As sponsors, Fresh and Tasty Microgreens is delighted to support an event that champions sustainability, quality, and innovation. Our microgreens will feature prominently and we can’t wait to see how competitors use them to enhance their dishes.
Looking Ahead: Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026
Excitement is building for Wales to host the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales—the first time this global event will be held in the UK. The WICC serves as a vital stepping stone, identifying the chefs who will represent Wales on the international stage.
Join Us in Celebrating Welsh Culinary Excellence
We are proud to stand alongside other sponsors such as Castell Howell, Cambrian Training Company, Roller Grill UK, MCS Technical Products, Capital Cuisine, Churchill, Cygnet Gin, Henley Bridge, Food and Drink Wales, Kentaur, City & Guilds UK, Essential Cuisine, Ecolab, Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales, Terry’s Patisserie Ltd, Willo Game, Robot Coupe and Friedr Dick GmbH & Co. in supporting this incredible event.
Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to follow Fresh and Tasty Microgreens (@FTMicrogreens) on social media as we celebrate the very best of Welsh cuisine!
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