Toque d’Or® 2024 Winners Crowned
We are proud to present the winners of the 36th-anniversary edition of Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or. Following an exhilarating Grand Finals during 21st-25th April, which saw 12 finalists go head-to-head in a series of intense challenges, we have crowned our two deserving champions.
The winners of the 2024 Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or are Geraldine Sierra Torres from Westminster Kingsway College and Jasmine Ferdinando from York College!
This year's Grand Finals comprised a series of action-packed challenges focused on sustainability, covering topics such as food provenance, regenerative agriculture and how hospitality plays an important role in supporting communities. Each day presented a unique opportunity for the 12 finalists to showcase their skills, creativity and passion, from curating menus using sustainably sourced ingredients and engaging in food foraging activities, to delving into the principles of sustainable farming and production.
Overseeing proceedings
Throughout the week, finalists enjoyed expert mentorship and advice from a panel of esteemed judges. This was spearheaded by two Michelin-star chef Tommy Banks and his culinary partner Tom Bell, and Nestlé’s global executive chef Emmanuel Lorieux. The FOH panel was led by winner of the 2023 Gold Service Scholarship, Jupiter Humphrey-Bishop, Nestlé Professional’s master barista Christos Sotiros, Nespresso customer service manager Vincenzo D’Aniello, and cocktail expert Nicolas Medicamento.
Former Toque d’Or competitors, now ambassadors and judges of the competition, including 2023 BOH finalist Emily Simkins, 2018 FOH winner Antonia Macfarlane, 2021 FOH winner Sophie Taylor and last year’s FOH champion Joshua Kerr, were also on-hand to inspire and guide the finalists.
What happened during the final week?
The week started with Sodexo’s ‘farm-to-fork’ challenge at Full Circle Farms in West Sussex, where finalists learned about regenerative agriculture and the importance of community support. Here, they foraged for wild ingredients to create street-food inspired menus and exotic mocktails for discerning guests, in what was a true farm-to-fork culinary experience.
The following day, finalists learned all about the provenance of 100% ethically sourced Arabica coffee beans and delved into the art of coffee craftsmanship, in the Starbucks® coffee challenge. From mastering the art of brewing and espresso pouring to creating their own iced signature beverage tailored to the palate of Gen Z consumers, the finalists were judged on their creative flare while ensuring coffee stood out as the hero ingredient.
Finalists then enjoyed a series of masterclasses to help them prepare for the ultimate Fine Dining Challenge. This included learning about the art of cocktail making from Nestlé Waters (San Pellegrino), the intricacies of delivering first-class customer service, the ‘hidden tricks’ behind creating barista-style coffee, and the do’s and don’ts of wine service.
The Fine Dining Challenge
As ever, the week culminated in the Fine Dining Challenge. The last chance for our finalists to showcase their skills by creating a memorable fine dining experience for 60 guests. The menu, curated by Tommy Banks, featured ingredients supplied by Woods Food Service and was expertly paired with Henners Vineyard wines.
What The Winners Had To Say...
Geraldine Sierra Torres, BOH Winner said: "This is such a surreal moment for me. Ever since I was a child, I remember cooking with my grandmother in the kitchen at home. She inspired me to pursue my passion for cooking, which has ultimately led me to where I am today. While I’m incredibly proud of my achievement, I think all of the finalists are deserving champions. As a group, we’ve spent so much time together and created some amazing memories. It’s great to have made so many friends. I want to thank everyone involved in making this competition so special; I’ve been able to grow so much both from a personal and professional perspective. I’m going to enjoy this moment first, and then look forward to the prize trip to Switzerland!"
Jasmine Ferdinando, FOH Winner said: "I know it sounds like a cliche, but when I first entered the competition I never thought I would get this far. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity, to meet so many amazing people and to develop great friendships along the way. I can’t wait to put the skills and knowledge that I’ve been able to gain over the last few months to the test, as I get ready to start my career. I’d like to thank my college lecturer Suzanne for supporting me and giving me the confidence to really push myself and step out of my comfort zone. Looking ahead, there’s so much to be excited about, but first I want to soak in all the fun and adventure that awaits us in Switzerland!"
The Swiss adventure awaits
For this year’s grand prize, Geraldine and Jasmine will embark on an extraordinary journey and culinary adventure as they head to Switzerland, immersing themselves in Nestlé's rich heritage and Swiss traditions, promising unforgettable experiences and memories.
