Glasgow City College wins Nestlé Toque d’Or 2014
The winning team - made up of students Nikola Plhavoka, Aoife Munro and Murray McDavid - beat off tough competition from five other colleges to take the prized trophy after a challenging four day Grand Final in March.
It sees the coveted trophy return to Scotland for the sixth time in the 26-year history of Nestlé Toque d’Or competition.
Career-building
Speaking on the night, Murray - who competed as one of the team back of house - said: “We were aware we were up against some really strong so are incredibly proud to be able to take the trophy back to Scotland and to Glasgow City College
“The entire experience has been fantastic, and we have all learnt so much which will stay with us for the rest of our careers. The Grand Finals tested us to our limit but also gave us a real confidence boost that we could operate in the real world and we now all look forward to our next steps now the competition is over, in whatever direction they may take us.”
This year changes to the entry, Heats and Grand Finals format saw the students undertake a full education programme alongside some of the toughest challenges in the competition’s history. The other finalists included City of Liverpool, Ayrshire College, Gloucester College Five Acres Campus, Bradford College and 2012 winners Westminster Kingsway.
Last year, a team from South West College in Northern Ireland picked up the Nestlé Toque d’Or trophy.
Raising the bar
Neil Stephens, managing director of Nestlé Professional, said: “As observers we perhaps do not always appreciate the pressure that competitions put participants under, especially one such as Nestlé Toque d’Or which tests the mettle of each student with a wide range of challenges.
“And yet, as ever, the bar has been raised at this year’s event as each team not only stayed cool throughout the Grand Finals but also demonstrated knowledge and abilities well beyond their years.
“It is a testament not only to the skill and passion of each young person, but also to those responsible for their training, that the standards of each teams’ performance was so high. I am sure that they look forward to a bright future in the industry and wish them the very best of luck for their next steps."
