Nestlé Toque d'Or 2021 winners announced
Nestlé Professional has announced the winners of the 2021 Toque d'Or Competition.
This year's competition was organised as a hybrid event, with the 12 finalists going head-to-head in a week of challenges performed both virtually and in a Covid-safe environment at the Nestlé Professional Gatwick headquarters.
The 2021 winners are (pictured, clockwise from top left):
- Kenny Markham, back of house apprentice winner, Burnt Lemon Catering
- Sarah Morton, back of house student winner, New City College London
- Georgia Wheatley, front of house apprentice winner, University College Birmingham
- Sophie Taylor, front of house student winner, Edinburgh College.
The challenges focused on creating a Toque d'Or 2021 recipe book, with the finalists receiving tuition from judges on all aspects, including recipe writing and creation, engaging personal biographies, food photography and social media.
A total of 76 back of house and 36 front of house students competed in the initial heats.
This year's judges included former Toque d'Or winner turned food writer Julie Jones; MasterChef: The Professionals winner Louisa Ellis; educator and drinks expert Alison Taffs; Robert Smith from Shuttersmith; and training specialists Aaron Dunn and Ryan Burke from Nestlé Azera.
Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, commented: "A huge, heartfelt congratulations to the winners. We are so proud of all the contestants who took part: the standard has never been so high. It's more important than ever to support young talent within the hospitality industry, equipping them with the experience and skills to succeed in their careers. We are delighted to be able to do exactly that with Toque d'Or.
"And we are ever grateful to our fantastic panel of judges. As well as giving our finalists solid skills based on real-world experience, they've served as an inspiration to competitors throughout."
Watch the virtual awards ceremony, presented by TV personality Mark Durden-Smith, here, and download the Taste the Future Toque d'Or recipe book 2021 here.
