LONDON, UK – Nestlé Professional has opened registrations for the 35th edition of its Toque d’Or competition. Back and Front of house students on Levels 2, 3, and 4 have until 31st March to complete their entries. Sustainability remains the theme for the prestigious competition, and competitors will get to sharpen their skills whilst exploring the latest culinary trends and learning about sustainable farming.
From farm to fork and bean to cup, entrants will be challenged to craft pioneering, sustainably sourced menus at each stage of the competition.
This year’s winners will enjoy a once in a lifetime trip to Brazil, where they will get to sample the country’s culinary delights, from high-end gastronomy to authentic street food.
Once they’ve sampled food in São Paulo, the winners will get to go sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro and learn all about sustainability on a bean to cup journey with the world’s biggest coffee producer. They’ll visit a flavour development lab and coffee farm, which is part of the Nescafé Plan, and learn more about regenerative agriculture and coffee.
Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or was launched in 1989 to inspire the next generation of food service professionals and provide fresh knowledge on the hospitality industry.
Since then, it has become a UK institution, working with more than 150 colleges across the UK, and providing opportunities and learning to more than 10,000 competitors.
Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I said:
“Toque d’Or has gone from strength to strength over the last 35 years and it’s a delight to shine a light on the talent in the hospitality industry. It’s fantastic to see how well past winners and entrants are doing now: testimony to their dedication and innate qualities, but also to the skills and confidence they gained during the competition.”
“Times are still incredibly tough in the industry, and it’s important not just to encourage and support young talent, but also to show them the exciting opportunities on offer in our industry. Toque d’Or is our regular opportunity to do this. And this year, we’re pulling out the stops to make it as memorable and inspiring as ever – for competitors, for the industry, and for everyone involved in delivering the competition.”
Toque d’Or 2023 takes place over six stages and is aimed at attracting more fresh talent than ever, with entrants competing in their colleges, before being shortlisted for the National Heats and Grand Finals. It is open to all Back and Front of House students on *Levels 2, 3 or 4. Lecturers must register students that meet these criteria.
To find out more about the competition, visit www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor
[1] *Levels 2, 3 and 4 or equivalent national, e.g: levels 5, 6 and 7 in Scotland
