The duo were able to visit some of the country's most renowned restaurants and hotels, soak in some of the nation's most iconic landmarks and scenery as well as delve into Nestlé's Swiss origins and culture.
The Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition helps college students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the industry.
Expanding on the competition’s sustainability theme, Geraldine and Emma spent time with Nestlé’s global executive chef Emmanuel Lorieux and sustainability manager Ana Aragon at its HQ in Vevey, in a sustainability-focused culinary arts training session.
The duo were offered bespoke beverage training from Nestlé Professional's global master barista Christos Sotiros and global beverages commercial manager Harald Reitz at the Nestlé Beverage Centre in Orbe. This included learning about coffee growing and brewing processes followed by a tasting session.
Geraldine and Emma were treated to memorable experiences throughout the trip, from a special tour of the Mosimann Collection at Cesar Ritz College – with Swiss chef and restaurateur Anton Mosimann – to an indulgent day of fondue and wine tasting at La Maison du Gruyère. They embarked on a tour of Maison Cailler, a Nestlé-owned chocolate factory, to immerse themselves in the world of chocolate.
The duo visited the ‘terraced’ vineyards of Lavaux where they learned more about the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. The next day, they toured the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, enjoying a fine-dining lunch at Berceau de Sense, one of many gastronomic experiences during the trip. This was followed by a late-afternoon boat cruise around Lake Geneva, appreciating Switzerland's natural beauty.
The trip concluded with a scenic train journey on the Golden Pass Railway, transporting them from Montreux to Interlaken Ost and providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss mountains.
They ascended Mount Pilatus by cable car, where they enjoyed a wide array of activities, including a toboggan run, rope park, Ibex safari, mountain biking, and a cave tour, among many others. They then rounded off the adventure with a delightful meal and drinks at Restaurant Pilatus Kulm.
Geraldine said: “This journey has been an incredible and fun-filled experience, exceeding all my expectations. I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity, which has not only provided me with unforgettable memories but also invaluable knowledge that will shape my future career. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this adventure possible.”
Emma added: "I've had such an unforgettable adventure in Switzerland. I feel so grateful to have experienced this opportunity as the runner up. I have gained so much knowledge that will help me in my future career and I can't thank Nestlé enough for this once in a lifetime experience."
The duo have joined other former winners and finalists in the Toque d’Or Ambassador Programme. This exclusive programme provides ongoing mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to play a lead role in other Nestlé Professional initiatives, such as the Choose Hospitality Pledge.
The Choose Hospitality Pledge aims to educate secondary students about the industry’s wide range of entry-level roles and training opportunities, the breadth of roles available, as well as the many career pathways on offer.
Katya Simmons, managing director of Nestlé Professional UK&I, added: "Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or exemplifies our commitment to supporting young hospitality talent, and every year we're proud to watch these young people grow. This year's extraordinary culinary journey through Switzerland was another moment to savour for both Gerladine and Emma, as they were able to develop their knowledge and sharpen their skills, all while soaking in the country’s amazing food, drink and culture.”