Katherine, co-founder of Cygnet Gin, is taking on the role as the CAW prepares to welcome around 1,000 chefs from across the world to the Worldchefs Congress & Expo at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales) in Newport in May 2026.

Chefs will be challenged to cook up a ‘mouthwatering’ three course pescatarian and dairy free menu showcasing the versatility of Cygnet Gin in each of the dishes.

Katherine said: "I'm so honoured to be an ambassador for the Culinary Association of Wales. Across my career, I'm very, very proud of being Welsh and wherever I go, I always try to fly the flag for Wales. 

“The Culinary Association of Wales being named as hosts for the biggest ever culinary event at the ICC Wales is incredibly exciting and important. When I heard that this was happening, I wanted to do all that I could to help support and amplify it, get behind it and cheer it on. So, if you love food like me, this is four days of food heaven. I can't wait.

“We are so lucky in Wales - we have so much to offer, and we can offer so much to the world. I think people coming here, to the Celtic Manor and to the ICC, they're just going to be absolutely blown away by the hospitality, the warmth, the friendship, the welcome, and I hope it's the start of a lovely relationship for people. I'm really excited to see how the journey progresses and to be here and witness it in 2026."