Toque d’Or winners enjoy Italian experience

The 2025 Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or winners have urged operators to nurture young talent and create better career opportunities in hospitality, after returning from their culinary trip prize to Italy. Front- and back-of-house winners, Tom Brassington and Katie Blundell respectively, said education, service and quality of ingredients are key to creating better experiences in hospitality.

The trip, which involved visiting the San Pellegrino manufacturing plant, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and the famous Acqua Panna estate, is part of the competition’s ethos to help students bridge the gap between the classroom and industry. Over the course of six days, the duo journeyed from Milan to Florence and into the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where they experienced Italian culture, cuisine and craftsmanship at every turn.

‘Something unforgettable’
Brassington said: “It’s clear how a combination of high standards, great ingredients and a passion for service can turn ordinary moments into something unforgettable. I’ve learned so much, and as someone looking to kickstart my professional career, I can only encourage other hospitality businesses to invest in young talent and help build a brighter future for our industry.”  

Blundell added: “You need a combination of education and real-world experience to be able to truly learn, grow and develop. Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or helped me understand the level of professionalism expected in our industry, and this trip bought that ethos to life.” 

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