This year sees the return of student catering competition Nestlé Toque d’Or to hospitality and food service industry show Hotelympia.

Now in its 20th year, the competition will see 16 teams of six catering students battle it out in the La Parade des Chefs kitchens each afternoon in a bid to wow the judges with their culinary skill, flair and teamwork

Peter Griffiths, salon director for Hotelympia 2008, said the competition would be a showcase for aspiring young chefs.

“The Nestlé Toque d’Or is one of those events that students aspire to enter throughout their education,” he said. “It is a culmination of everything they have learnt whilst at college and what better stage than the real life restaurant that is La Parade des Chefs at Hotelympia.”

Martin Webster, events manager at Nestlé Foodservice, said Hotelympia provided a fantastic platform for the 20th anniversary of the competition. 

“The show’s heritage and passion for the industry is right at the heart of what Toque d’Or is about,” said Webster.

“Our aim is to help develop talent at catering college level and support it at professional level. This year, the competition is more exciting than ever and we’d ask everyone attending Hotelympia to come along, support the competitors and taste the future.”

Five finalists will be chosen from the heats to compete in the grand final later in the year. 

For further information on the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition contact Peter Griffiths on 01564 776842 or e-mail peter@salonculinare.co.uk.