The search is on for the UK’s most talented catering college student teams as premier catering competition, Nestlé Toque d’Or, gets underway in its 26th consecutive year, following a record level of entries to the 25th anniversary year contest in 2013.
This year also welcomes a new partnership between Nestlé Toque d’Or and the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE), leading to a Nestle Toque d’Or programme directly aligned to the national curriculum and feeding into existing module content.
The success of last year’s Nestlé Toque d’Or employment initiative has led to an exciting new pledge from Nestlé Professional for 2014: every one of the 90 students that passes through to the Heats stage, will this year be offered the chance to gain a work experience placement.
Student teams
The competition, which welcomes back chef James Tanner as Head of Judges for 2014, is aimed at student teams, still learning their trade both in the kitchen and front of house. It is a truly challenging experience for all participants that starts with a paper entry, continuing through to Regional Heats and then onwards to the Grand Finals – a journey that inspires the potential leading chefs and front of house teams of the future to showcase their skills to the very best of their ability.
Inspiring careers in the hospitality industry
Securing industry-wide support and bringing operators, restaurateurs and renowned chefs to its side, Nestle Toque d’Or 2014 has introduced a new approach to applications and also to the Heats stages.
Speaking about the launch and the provoking new format, Neil Stephens, Managing Director for Nestlé Professional UK&I, commented: “Nestlé Toque d’Or is a commitment from us to the industry showing that we continue to support the development of young talent and inspire careers.
“In 2014, Toque d’Or continues to evolve and mirror the needs of the wider industry, and our focus on skills development and youth employment is reflected in the changes we have made in this 26th year of the competition.
“We have made these changes to ensure the students are receiving an educational experience as well as being tested on what they know. Practical experience is crucial to ensuring the next generation of hospitality stars are prepared for the real world of work. Whilst several elements of Nestlé Toque d’Or have changed this year, its enduring aim remains the same: to inspire careers in the hospitality industry and identify the new class of rising stars.”
The Nestlé Toque d’Or paper entry will be held on 9th January and the heats for the top 30 teams from 3rd – 7th February. Six teams will then be chosen to compete in the Grand Finals, which will take place starting on 6th March 2014. The Winner of Nestlé Toque d’Or 2014 will be announced on 2nd April 2014 at an awards ceremony held at The Dorchester in London.
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