THE Tasty Careers Schools Challenge 2026 final highlighted the exceptional creativity and talent of young people in West Wales - impressing judges through their innovation, teamwork, and passion for food and drink.

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, the annual competition introduces pupils to the variety of exciting career opportunities across Wales’ thriving food and drink industry. This year's challenge was held at Parc y Scarlets on March 10, supported by Kepak, Dunbia, Leprino and Castell Howell.

Participants were tasked with developing a brand‑new healthy food or drink product that made strong use of Welsh produce. Their concepts needed to offer clear nutritional benefits, demonstrate sustainability, and show commercial potential. Each team also created branding elements - name, logo, slogan and produced a 500g/ml prototype pack to present to a panel of industry experts.

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.”

West Wales Final Highlights Inspiring Innovation

This year’s West Wales final showcased a diverse range of ideas as students combined creativity with practical thinking around health, sustainability, branding, and market appeal.

West Wales Winners 2026:

Aled Evans, Business Engagement Advisor praised the achievements of the pupils, saying:

“The standard of entries from West Wales this year has been outstanding. The creativity, energy and thought that pupils put into their products really demonstrate the incredible potential of our region’s young people. The winning team showed exceptional insight and innovation.”

The Tasty Careers Schools Challenge has been running since 2018, with regional finals this year held across North, South and West Wales, celebrating young people’s passion for food innovation and introducing them to the many career opportunities within the sector.

For more information about Tasty Careers and the Schools Challenge, visit https://tastycareers.org.uk .