Toque d’Or® – Join the Hospitality Industry’s Most Prestigious Competition

Welcome to Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or^®. Launched in 1989, the Toque d’or 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.

This prestigious hospitality industry competition aims to educate and test college students and apprentices in both practical, service-based and business-focused tasks. With a focus on providing up-to-the-minute industry expertise and experience, entrants learn key skills in 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 offer the opportunity to work with and learn from leading industry experts and businesses judging the tasks.

Last year, we made several changes, adapting the competition to meet the needs of the pandemic. To keep the competition safe while retaining its trademark sense of community, we developed an innovative hybrid model. The Toque d’or competition became a virtual event for the first time ever. Competitors were able to learn and carry out challenges virtually from their own homes. And finalists were given the chance to come to HQ to meet and present to the judging panel – all while adhering to strict COVID guidelines. To help competitors thrive in the ‘new normality’ of the hospitality industry, we adapted the skills on offer too providing masterclasses and learning in key areas like social media promotion and setting up a business from home.

Now in its 34th year, Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or® continues to be recognised as an influential training and development initiative and is unique in its focus on both Back and Front of House staff.