This year’s theme is cultural fusion, diversity and innovation. It reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving world of hospitality, encouraging students to embrace new flavours, ideas and perspectives that are shaping the future of foodservice.
Since its inception in 1989, the competition has engaged 150 colleges across the UK, providing up-to-the-minute learning and real-life challenges to almost 10,000 back and front-of-house students.
From farm-to-fork to bean-to-cup, competitors get the ‘unique opportunity’ to work with pioneering chefs and leading hospitality experts to craft sustainably sourced menus at every stage of the competition.
It’s an immersive learning experience for students to sharpen their skills, explore emerging trends, and learn about the future of food and regenerative farming practices. College lecturers have until Thursday 15th January to register their Level 2, 3, and 4 back and front-of-house students, aged between 18 to 25 years-old.
A gift consisting of a range of MAGGI® Indian sauces will be awarded to the first 20 college lecturers who register their students. To register and find out more about the competition’s format, timeline and full T&Cs, please go to: www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor.
The 2025 winners Tom Brassington and Katie Blundell embarked on a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ prize trip to Italy, exploring its food and drink culture.
Katya Simmons, managing director at Nestlé Professional UK&I, commented: “Focused on cultural fusion, diversity and innovation, the 38th edition of Toque d’Or reflects today’s modern and dynamic world of hospitality.
“More than just a competition, Toque d’Or offers a platform for our industry to invest in young and creative talent. Therefore, I encourage all college lecturers to register their best students; for the first few there’s a special prize up for grabs.”
Next year’s champions will travel around Scandinavia, immersing themselves in two of the world’s most forward-thinking food scenes, Copenhagen in Denmark and Helsingborg in Sweden.