CAP Newsroom
Chefs Association of Pakistan (CAP), in strategic partnership with the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM), successfully concluded the Pakistan International Culinary Championship (PICC) 2026, held from February 9–12, 2026. Endorsed by Worldchefs, the four-day championship emerged as one of the largest and most dynamic culinary gatherings in the region, setting new benchmarks for excellence, participation, and professional standards.
A Championship of Global Standards
With more than 5,000 participants competing across 30+ categories and vying for 15 prestigious titles, PICC 2026 demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength on the international culinary stage. Culinary arts students, professional chefs, and international teams competed in a spirit of skill, discipline, and innovation—reflecting the true essence of competitive gastronomy.
Worldchefs Vice President Uwe Micheel led the championship as Head of Jury, ensuring rigorous adherence to global competition standards, while Chef Muhammad Raees served as Assistant Head of Jury. The presence of internationally aligned judging standards reaffirmed PICC’s credibility as a world-class culinary competition.
Strong Institutional Backing
The championship was held in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), reinforcing its core objective: youth empowerment through skill development aligned with international benchmarks.
The event received remarkable institutional and diplomatic support from distinguished national leaders and industry representatives, underlining the growing recognition of culinary arts as a strategic sector for youth development, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy.
Industry Partnership & Professional Execution
PICC 2026 was presented by National Foods and powered by Coca-Cola, Cheezious, K&N’s, and Nestlé Professional. Conducted in association Young’s Food, Haier, Rose Petal Professional, Ambassador Commercial Kitchen Equipment, and Blue Band, the event maintained full hygiene compliance, reinforcing international standards of food safety and professionalism.
Thought Leadership & Industry Dialogue
On the sidelines of PICC 2026, two impactful panel discussions were also convened, adding an important intellectual dimension to the championship. The first session, titled “The Future of Pakistani Cuisine on the Global Stage,” explored strategies for positioning Pakistan’s rich culinary heritage in international markets. The second discussion, “Future of Pakistani Chefs & International Cuisines in Pakistan,” focused on evolving industry trends, global mobility for chefs, cross-cultural culinary exchange, and the growing presence of international cuisines within Pakistan’s hospitality sector.
“Senses in the Kitchen” — A Defining Moment
One of the most inspiring highlights of PICC 2026 was the “Senses in the Kitchen” segment, where 25 visually impaired chefs competed across multiple categories. The segment celebrated resilience, talent, and inclusivity—sending a powerful global message about equal opportunity in culinary arts.
A Vision for Pakistan’s Culinary Future
CAP Founder & President Ahmad Shafiq expressed gratitude to Worldchefs for its continued support and emphasized that PICC 2026 aims to position Pakistani cuisine prominently on the global culinary map while training youth according to Worldchefs standards.
With record-breaking participation, strong governmental backing, and industry collaboration, PICC 2026 has firmly established itself as one of the most significant culinary championships in the region—celebrating excellence, inclusivity, and the future of gastronomy.