Member Blog: Camila Cabral, Strategic Partnership and Event Planning, Nestlé Professional
By Berenice, Monday 24 January 2022
Last call for aspiring hospitality heroes! Do you have a budding superstar in your team? Show your support and register them for Toque d’Or® before registrations close on Friday 4th February!
Toque d’Or® is a such a great initiative to play a part in – one of the highlights of our year. The calibre of students and apprentices we see is truly inspiring, testimony to the employers and colleges who put them forward. And this year, we’re attracting more fresh talent than ever, opening the competition to Level 2 and 3 students and apprentices across the UK.
Everyone loved the format of last year’s competition. Despite the pandemic, we retained the competition’s trademark excitement and community through a mix of virtual and face-to-face learning and challenges. As a result, we’re using many of the same techniques this year. Even better, we can encourage more entrants to get involved and take advantage of the training on offer”.
As well as raising aspirations for competitors, we’re passionate about helping them become ‘industry ready’ with the latest skills and learning. After all, they will be the future drivers of the industry. Fortunately, given our industry experience, we can provide insight on consumer trends like sustainability and plant-based diets, as well as up-to-the-minute training on approaches like social media promotion.
This year, we have an inspiring judging panel, which includes Masterchef, The Professionals: A Festive Knockout winner, Louisa Ellis, well-respected sommelier and wine expert, Raul Diaz, and last year’s winners, Kenny Markham and Sophie Taylor. What’s more, winners will experience a foodie trip of a lifetime: a gastronomic weekend in Dubai and revered spot at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 in Abu Dhabi: what an incredible opportunity!
But don’t just take my word for it, check out what past winners have to say. After all, they are the superstars of the competition. And don’t forget to register your upcoming talent before the 4th February deadline.
“Taking part has been a massive confidence boost. The competition not only improved my culinary talent, it also nurtured other important attributes such as public speaking and food photography - all beneficial in furthering my career." Kenny Markham, Back of House Apprentice winner, Burnt Lemmon
"Being in Toque d'Or, at any level, is such a worthwhile experience. Having my food scrutinised by the judges was nerve wracking! But it also felt like a privilege to have them taste my food. I didn't come into the competition thinking I'd win at all. I'm excited to see where it leads me." Sarah Morton, Back of House Student winner, New City College London