Toque d’Or® 2023 is live
Sustainability remains the theme for our Toque d’Or® competition this year and competitors will get the opportunity to sharpen their skills while exploring the latest culinary trends and learning about sustainable farming.
From farm to fork and bean to cup, entrants will craft pioneering, sustainably sourced menus at every stage of the competition, giving them the skills and creativity to overcome sustainability challenges in the culinary world.
What is in Store for the 2023 Toque d’Or® Winners?
This year’s winners will join 105 more in the Toque d’Or® bustling hall of fame and will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime culinary trip to Brazil, sampling high-end gastronomy through to street food, and learning about sustainability on a bean-to-cup journey with the world’s biggest coffee producer.
Discovering the vibrant gastronomic scene of São Paulo, learning about coffee and sustainability in Espírito Santo, and sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, they’ll be inspired by new tastes and flavours from the country. And visiting a flavour development lab and coffee farm, they’ll learn more about regenerative agriculture and coffee.
As well as this year's compelling competition prize, entrants can expect the usual up-to-the-minute learning and well-respected judging panel.
The Evolution of Toque d’Or®
Our Toque d’Or® competition launched in 1989 to inspire the next generation of food service professionals and provide up-to-the-minute knowledge on the hospitality industry. Since then, it has become a UK institution, working with more than 150 colleges across the UK, and providing learning and opportunities to over 10,000 competitors.
As a result, the competition now has a strong network of supporters, judges and competitor alumni, ranging from Anton Mosimann, James Martin and Jamie Oliver, to Brian Turner, Paul Gayler, James Tanner and Simon Hulstone.
What to expect from the next Toque d’Or® Competition
This year, Toque d’Or® 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 register and find out more about the competition training, format and timeline, all college lecturers, employers and apprentices must go to our Toque d’Or® page for more details.
*Levels 2, 3 and 4 or equivalent national, e.g: levels 5, 6 and 7 in Scotland.