The Tasty Careers Schools Challenge 2026, an exciting competition designed to spark creativity and teamwork among pupils across Wales, has once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation of young people in the food and drink sector.
The Tasty Careers School Challenge, delivered by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) Wales in partnership with Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme and Careers Wales, aims to raise awareness of the exciting career opportunities within Wales’ thriving food and drink industry. Supporters of this year’s Schools Challenge include Kepak, Dunbia, Leprino and Castell Howell.
This year’s challenge invited participants to work in teams to design a new healthy food or drink product using as much local Welsh produce as possible. The brief required students to create a product that delivers clear health benefits, is sustainable, and commercially viable. Each team also developed an original brand name, logo, and slogan, presenting their ideas in a 500g/ml package to a panel of expert judges.
Tasty Careers 2026 attracted 28 entrants and 168 students this year, contributing to a total of 121 entrants, with over 4,900 pupils participating from schools nationwide since 2018.
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said:
“Congratulations to all the finalists of the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge 2026. They’ve shown incredible creativity, teamwork and ambition in designing healthy, sustainable products using the very best of Welsh produce. Competitions like this - delivered by The National Skills Academy with the support of Welsh Governments Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme, Careers Wales and our industry partners - play an important role in helping young people discover the exciting career opportunities across Wales’ thriving food and drink sector.
I hope that they will carry this feeling with them as they make exciting choices about their future career and consider bringing their talents to Wales’s vibrant food and drink industry.”
Louise Cairns, CEO for NSAFD/Tasty Careers, said:
“The 2026 Tasty Careers School Challenge has been an incredible success. I’ve been truly inspired by the creativity, passion, and professionalism shown by every team. The standard this year has been exceptional, and it’s a privilege to see so many young people showcasing the talent and innovation that will shape the future of our industry.”
Kate Rees, Programme Manager for the Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme, added:
“We’re delighted to have supported the 2026 Tasty Careers School Challenge. It’s fantastic to see so many young people engaging with the food and drink industry and demonstrating such creativity and enthusiasm. Initiatives like this are vital for inspiring the next generation and showcasing the exciting career opportunities our sector has to offer.”
The competition has been running since 2018, with finals this year taking place in North, South and West Wales.
Congratulations to all the regional winners!
North Wales - Winner - Ysgol Glan y Mor (Burrito Bowl)
South Wales - Winner - Blessed Carlo Acutis RC School (Leek and Cheese Muffins)
West Wales - Winner - St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School (Bean Bites)