Caribbean culinary and mixology talent will gather in Barbados for Taste of the Caribbean 2026, bringing together 15 teams from across the region from November 16–19 at Wyndham Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the event celebrates the region’s culinary expertise, cultural heritage and innovation across the food and beverage industry.

This year’s participating destinations are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

New Challenges for Chefs and Bartenders

The 2026 edition expands its program with new competitions designed to showcase participants’ technical skills and creativity. Categories include Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year and Bartender of the Year, alongside dedicated beef and seafood challenges. A new vodka competition will also provide an additional platform for mixology professionals.

The event gives competitors an opportunity to work with quality ingredients, combine contemporary techniques with local traditions, and present creations that reflect the Caribbean’s culinary diversity. Participants will be evaluated by a panel of respected judges while exchanging knowledge and experiences with colleagues and industry leaders. For junior chefs, the competition can also represent an important step in their professional development.

Professional Development and Regional Recognition

Beyond the live competitions, the program will feature educational sessions with regional and international industry partners, including Certified Angus Beef, the National Watermelon Promotion Board and the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

The event will conclude with the Taste of the Caribbean Awards, recognizing the Caribbean’s top Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year and Bartender of the Year, as well as winners of the beef and seafood competitions. Additional medals and distinctions will recognize specific achievements, including Best Use of a Product.

Taste of the Caribbean will run alongside the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), one of the region’s key gatherings for hospitality leaders. CHIEF offers strategic insights, peer-led workshops and practical solutions tailored to the challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean tourism and hospitality industry.