A Welshpool businessman has teamed up with Welsh singing star Katherine Jenkins as an ambassador for Wales' chefs

One of the UK’s most successful classical singers from the past decade, Katherine Jenkins, has partnered with the Culinary Association of Wales as its first ever ambassador, working alongside president Arwyn Watkins OBE, manager of the Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company.

The partnership comes ahead of Wales hosting a global event for chefs in 2026, with 1,000 chefs from across the world heading to the Worldchefs Congress & Expo at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.

Ms Jenkins and Mr Watkins discussed details of the partnership during a visit to ICC Wales on St David’s Day where they recorded a video interview.

Ms Jenkins said: "I'm so honoured to be an ambassador for the Culinary Association of Wales.

"Across my career, I'm very, very proud of being Welsh and wherever I go, I always try to fly the flag for Wales.

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“The Culinary Association of Wales being named as hosts for the biggest ever culinary event at the ICC Wales is incredibly exciting and important.

"When I heard that this was happening, I wanted to do all that I could to help support and amplify it, get behind it and cheer it on. So, if you love food like me, this is four days of food heaven. I can't wait.”

The lead up to Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 will officially begin later this year in Singapore, which is hosting the 2024 event in October. At the event, the congress bell will be presented to Mr Watkins who is expected to announce news about an anthem for the 2026 Welsh event.

He said: “It’s a huge coup and honour for the Culinary Association of Wales to secure Katherine as our ambassador for the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026.

"Being associated with such a global superstar is going to raise the profile of both the association and the event.”

As well as being ambassador for the event the partnership also involves Cygnet Gin, a gin company founded by Ms Jenkins and filmmaker Andrew Levitas, serving as a sponsor for CAW.

Chefs at the event will be challenged to come up with a three course pescatarian and dairy free menu showcasing Cygnet Gin in each of the dishes.