Call to celebrate International Chefs Day 2026

Each year on 20 October, chefs around the world come together to celebrate International Chefs Day.

Founded in 2004 by the late Chef Dr. Bill Gallagher, this global tradition honours the culinary profession and its role in inspiring, educating, and supporting the next generation through food.

Building on the enthusiasm and success of last year’s activities, Worldchefs and Nestlé Professional are bringing back the Food Explorers campaign, with a strong focus on ingredients, encouraging people of all ages to explore what goes into their food, where it comes from, how it is grown or harvested, and why it matters.

And that’s where you come in. Every chef, in every corner of the world, has something to teach. By sharing your knowledge, skills, and passion for food, you can help future chefs become curious, confident Food Explorers.

World Chefs Vice Chairman of International Chefs Day 2026 and BCF Chairman chef Mathew Shropshall said: "It remains an honour to work and support on the World Chefs International Chefs Day Committee alongside Nestle International.

"Over the years the day has been supported by more than 110 countries from around the World with the toolkit used from the website to help people plan, prepare and have a wonderful day inspiring young people to cook and eat healthy food."

He added: "The BCF supports the day alongside Young Chefs Academies, Junior Team England, BCF Young Chef competition. It remains focused on developing young people coming into the catering and hospitality industry. I'm keen to continue to work within the World Chefs and will look to develop the day as the incoming chairman with UK schools, colleges and charities in future!"

How you can participate

Here are some ideas to celebrate International Chefs Day 2026:

• Cooking Adventures: Host interactive workshops where young people prepare simple, nutritious recipes using Nestlé Professional’s 13 Hero Ingredients, encouraging creativity and confidence in the kitchen.

• Healthy Food Discovery: Introduce balanced meals, fresh ingredients, and the benefits of choosing seasonal and locally sourced foods.

• Sustainability in Action: Visit a local farm, plant a garden, or use the toolkit’s Grow a Garden activity to help future chefs understand where food comes from and how to care for the environment.

• Creative Food Experiences: Turn fruits, vegetables, and healthy ingredients into colourful edible creations that make learning fun.

• Explore Global Flavors: Introduce participants to cuisines from around the world and celebrate the diversity of culinary traditions.

• Giving Back Together: Organise a community food donation or volunteer activity to teach the importance of kindness, sharing, and reducing food waste.

Get involved

To help you get started, visit worldchefs.org/internationalchefsday and download the 2026 Food Explorers Toolkit. The toolkit includes step-by-step workshop guides, user-friendly recipes using Nestlé Professional’s Hero Ingredients, posters, certificates, and more.

Use these resources to create an activity that works for your community, whether it is a short classroom moment, a hands-on cooking session, a garden visit, a sustainability activity, or a full-day celebration.

20 October is the official day, but the whole month of October is yours to make it happen. Together, we can continue shaping a healthier, more sustainable future, one young chef at a time.

Share Your Food Explorers Moments

Don’t forget to share your photos and videos with us at internationalchefsday@worldchefs.org and use the campaign hashtags: #ICDFoodExplorers #InternationalChefsDay #ThisIsWorldchefs #NestleProfessional