Toque d’Or finalists take on farming challenge

Finalists in this year’s Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or Grand Finals Week have been through a series of immersive industry challenges.

Key challenges took place in two contrasting hospitality environments – the agricultural setting of the Lyndon Estate, which is farmed by the Conant Farming Company, as well as the live events backdrop of The O2 – bringing together six back-of-house (BOH) and six front-of-house (FOH) finalists for some hands-on tasks. 

The first challenge of the week saw finalists travel to the Lyndon Estate, where they were immersed in learning about regenerative farming, food provenance, viticulture and sustainability-focused hospitality practice. The competitors spent time exploring how regenerative agriculture can support biodiversity, soil health and long-term food resilience.

"On our farm tour, we looked at how food production and improving the natural environment can work together with the benefits of an integrated, holistic system," says James Green, director at Conant Farming. "The competitors asked questions throughout our time together and it was wonderful to be able to share and demonstrate the farm’s biodiversity with everyone."

The competition will culminate at the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or Awards ceremony on 12 June, where one BOH and one FOH winner will be crowned. 

"Grand Finals Week is designed to challenge and inspire our finalists," adds Lorenzo Viganò, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I. "The standard throughout the competition has been exceptional, and these are invaluable experiences for our finalists to build their confidence, broaden their perspectives and make meaningful industry connections."

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