Nestlé Professional announces winners of Toque d'Or 2019

University College Birmingham walked away with the college award at the Toque d'Or 2019 competition, while Drew Dawson of the Ned in London was presented with the apprentice prize.

This year's final had seen five colleges and six apprentices take part in a series of challenges centered around sustainable futures. They also undertook WSET level one training and shifts under chef James Tanner at Smiths at Smithfield before Nestlé Professional announced the winners during a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London.

The results marked the fifth time University College Birmingham has won the award since 2010, most recently picking up the prize in 2017.

Yasmine Selwood of University College Birmingham said: "I'm a mother of four, and an older student and this competition has proved that I can do anything I put my mind to. There really is no limit to what you can achieve. The secret is believing in yourself and being open to new opportunities when they arise."

Teammate Luke Haywood added: "I came into this competition slightly daunted and not knowing what to expect, but we've grown together as a team and developed a really close bond. I think competitions like this are great because the industry is always changing and Toque d'Or provides the perfect platform to get you up to speed with all the latest trends and developments in the industry."

Apprentice winner Dawson said: "I'm absolutely over the moon! It's an experience of a lifetime and I'm so lucky to have been given this opportunity. Competitions like this show just how supportive the industry is, giving young people the opportunity to do great things.

"I think the best part of the competition was meeting the farmers and really understanding the supply chain and how everything fits together."

Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK and Ireland, said: "This is a life-changing moment for the winners. By giving them the opportunity to develop their knowledge in all aspects of the industry and work alongside high-profile experts and chefs, the competition has paved the way for their careers. The winners' creativity in their approach to the challenges really set them apart from the pack and they have set an incredibly high standard for next year's competition."

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