TUCO Flavours Conference 2026

Who is this for? 

Chefs and catering professionals.

Whether you're looking for fresh menu inspiration, new techniques or insights into the latest food trends, TUCO Flavours offers practical ideas to take back to your own kitchens.

This conference for chefs in the higher & further education sector brings networking, countless new flavour experiences and the latest innovations from our key suppliers.  All designed to bring a world of tastes to inspire and develop your skills and offerings back at your organisation.

The event kicks-off with an evening of networking, food & drink from around the world.

The programme on the day of the conference includes chef demonstrations, hands on breakout sessions and an exhibition if the latest products & innovations.

What can you expect?

Gold! Chefs' Challenge Champions

Join Lewis Huggins from the University of Southampton as he recreates a gold medal-winning dish from TUCO Competitions 2026. Competition judge Rob Bean will explore the preparation, challenges and judging process, sharing valuable insights for chefs considering entering future competitions.

Global Influences & Trends – Stewart Finn, Bidfood

Discover the latest global food trends with Bidfood, including a live demonstration showcasing the bold and increasingly popular flavours of Korean cuisine.

Eat Like a Sardinian – Francesco Mattana

Join bestselling author and TV chef Francesco Mattana as he shares his passion for Italian cuisine, demonstrating authentic Sardinian-inspired dishes and techniques.

Interactive Discovery Sessions

Choose from three exciting experiences:

• Lentils Race Around the World – Ben Rowland: Explore the versatility of lentils and discover creative ways to incorporate them into globally inspired menus.
• Sake Tasting: Discover the flavours and characteristics of this traditional Japanese drink.
• Flames, Spice & Flavour – Stewart Finn, Bidfood: An experiential session exploring bold flavours, spices and cooking techniques.

Caribbean Delights – Sharon Gardiner

Experience the vibrant flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions of the Caribbean in this inspiring live cooking demonstration.

Global Trends Panel – Charles Banks, The Food People

Explore the food trends shaping the future of hospitality. Charles Banks leads a discussion with our speakers, examining which emerging trends are likely to influence menus and how they might translate into university catering.

Bold, Vibrant Nigerian Vibes – The Flygerians

Finish the day with an energetic celebration of Nigerian cuisine, as The Flygerians showcase exciting ingredients, bold spices and vibrant flavours.

Provisional Programme – Friday 27 November

Time                                            Session

09:00–09:10                                Registration and coffee

09:10–09:15                                Welcome – Kate Quilton

09:15–09:55                                Gold! Chefs' Challenge Medalist – Lewis Huggins, University of Southampton, with Competitions Judge Rob Bean

09:55–10:35                                Global Influences & Trends – Stewart Finn, Bidfood

10:35–11:05                                 Exhibition and refreshments

11:10–11:55                                 Eat Like a Sardinian – Francesco Mattana

11:55–12:40                                 Interactive Discovery Sessions

12:40–13:45                                 Lunch and exhibition

13:45–14:30                                 Caribbean Delights – Sharon Gardiner

14:30–15:00                                 Global Trends Panel – Charles Banks

15:00–15:45                                 Bold, Vibrant Nigerian Vibes – The Flygerians

15:45–16:00                                 Closing remarks

Programme subject to change.

World of Tastes – Thursday 26 November

Start your TUCO Flavours experience with an evening of networking, food and drink inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Meet fellow catering professionals, enjoy a relaxed evening and take part in another interactive culinary challenge following the success of last year's cheese challenge!

What’s included?

• World of Tastes dinner
• Overnight accommodation with breakfast
• Conference place
• Exhibition with lunch and refreshments 

What’s not included?

• Travel to and from the event

We are delighted to have TV's Kate Quilton return to expertly guide us through the event!
 

TUCO Flavours Headline Sponsor:

Catch up with what happened last year with this show reel video: