The Tasty Careers School Challenge is delivered by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) Wales in partnership with Welsh Government Food & Drink Skills Wales programme and Careers Wales. 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. The regional winners were:
- North Wales - Ysgol Glan y Mor (Burrito Bowl)
- South Wales - Blessed Carlo Acutis RC School (Leek and Cheese Muffins)
- West Wales - St John Lloyd Catholic Comprehensive School (Bean Bites)
Louise Cairns, chief executive 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.”