Welcome to Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or®. Launched in 1989, the hospitality competition was born out of a passion for excellence, to inspire the next generation and to provide opportunities to further their knowledge in the hospitality industry.
The hospitality industry competition aims to educate and test entrants in both practical, service-based and business-focused tasks, concentrating on key areas such as social media promotion, business management and sustainable food and drink. Not only do these challenges provide valuable hands-on experience but they give the opportunity to work with and learn from a number of leading industry experts and businesses judging the tasks.
New for 2021 Toque d’Or® hospitality competition
One of the key things we’ve learnt over the past year is the importance of our community. Never has it been more important to come together to celebrate our industry, inspire the next generation and provide key skills for them to success in their careers.
So… we’ve got some really exciting updates planned this year,
Along with students and apprentices, we’ll be opening the hospitality competition up to all young professionals entering the industry
We’ll be changing our timeline - heats will now take place in April, the finals in June and the awards in July
We’ll be retaining a strong digital element as the world moves more online
We’ll have a few new faces joining our judging panel – watch this space!
The theme of sustainable futures will remain at the centre of each challenge and will cover elements such as nutrition, health, food waste and seasonality, all while testing the contestants in new areas, techniques and working environments.
Why enter our hospitality industry competition?
Toque d’Or® is so much more than a competition:
It’s a unique experience aiming to inspire the next generation of chefs and foodservice enthusiasts
It’s an exciting challenge helping entrants gain both front and back-of-house experience while developing their skills and knowledge
It’s an opportunity for students and apprentices to bridge the gap between the classroom and the exciting reality of industry
It’s entirely free to enter
Toque d’Or® 2020 competition prizes
Each year we offer a new and exciting range of prizes, some of which are donated by our partners. To give you an idea of what could be up for grabs, below is the list of last year’s prizes:
Each college that took part in the National Heats received funds from the Savoy Educational Trust to be spent with Russums
Each finalist college received £750 from the Savoy Educational Trust per BOH and FOH student, and the winning colleges were awarded £2,000 each – all to be spent at Russums
All students and apprentices in the Finals received a certificate and a box full of goodies from Nestlé
The BOH and FOH student winners and BOH and FOH apprentice winners received a sustainable trophy, certificate, a box full of goodies, a Nespresso machine, an i-Mac or Thermomix
“For anyone thinking of entering next year’s hospitality competition, my advice would be to do it! You learn so many new skills and ideas, as well as grow in confidence throughout the whole experience.”
Alex Dick, Front of House student winner 2020
“The toque for 2020 competition tested a different range of skill. As well as testing our culinary skills, in order to run a successful business, it’s vital to be able to present and produce a business plan, so this was a great way to test the competitors! I found it really helpful and an amazing set of skills that will be very useful when I hopefully open my own restaurant! I would 100% encourage anyone who is able to… the people you meet and the experiences throughout the competition are ones not to be missed!”
Lily Stock, Back of House apprentice winner 2020
2020 Highlights
We’re here to help you and your business. Whether you’re looking for creative food and drink solutions or need specific information on our range of products or services, just ask and we’d be happy to help. You can get in touch with us in a number of different ways.
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ROI: 00800 6378 5385
ROI: 00800 6378 5385
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