2024 Toque d'Or champions revealed

Nestlé Professional has announced the winners of the 36^th edition of its prestigious hospitality competition, Toque d’Or. Geraldine Sierra Torres from Westminster Kingsway College and Jasmine Ferdinando from York College were crowned the back- and front-of house champions respectively.

This year's Grand Finals Week comprised a series of action-packed challenges focused on sustainability, covering topics such as food provenance, regenerative agriculture and how hospitality plays an important role in supporting communities. Each day presented a unique opportunity for the 12 finalists to showcase their skills, creativity and passion, from curating menus using sustainably sourced ingredients and engaging in food foraging activities, to delving into the principles of sustainable farming and production. 

It was hosted at various iconic locations including the Fine Dining Challenge, which was held at D&D London’s Blueprint on the south bank of the River Thames. The week offered a series of challenges that pushed the competitors to their limits while allowing them to demonstrate their skills and ingenuity.

'All are deserving champions'
Torres said: “While I’m incredibly proud of my achievement, I think all of the finalists are deserving champions. As a group, we’ve spent so much time together and created some amazing memories. It’s great to have made so many friends.

“I want to thank everyone involved in making this competition so special. I’ve been able to grow so much both from a personal and professional perspective.

Ferdinando added: “I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity, to meet so many amazing people and to develop great friendships along the way. I can’t wait to put the skills and knowledge that I’ve been able to gain over the last few months to the test as I get ready to start my career.”

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