CRAVE 2026 brought together foodpanda partner vendors from across the Visayas to celebrate their shared achievements and growth-driven partnerships.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The growing food and restaurant industry in the Visayas took center stage as foodpanda CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026 recently brought together merchants and food entrepreneurs from across the region in Cebu City.
The event highlighted how foodpanda Philippines is helping homegrown food businesses expand their reach, improve operations, connect with more customers, and scale beyond their physical locations through digital tools and technology.
Bringing together restaurant leaders and merchants from key markets across Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas, CRAVE 2026 focused on the opportunities available to regional food businesses in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing, previewed upcoming Christmas campaigns to help partner vendors capture seasonal demand and drive growth.
Helping Cebu and Visayas Food Businesses Grow
More than just a food delivery platform, foodpanda is providing regional merchants with tools designed to help them better understand their customers and make data-driven business decisions.
Through customer analytics, targeted marketing solutions, and improved delivery fulfillment, restaurants and food businesses can respond to changing consumer demand, reach new customers, and maximize opportunities from both local diners and tourists visiting the Visayas.
“Our mission is to actively power the growth of our merchant partners,” said Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing at foodpanda Philippines. “When Visayan restaurants combine their culinary expertise with foodpanda’s ecosystem and insights, they can respond faster to market shifts, drive higher order volumes, and sustainably scale their businesses beyond physical storefronts.”
foodpanda CRAVE 2026 Honors Top-Growing Visayas Brands
A highlight of CRAVE 2026 in Cebu was the recognition of regional merchants that demonstrated strong business performance, growth, customer engagement, and operational excellence through the foodpanda platform.
Pau-Pau’s Top of Table Award
Recognizing market leadership and sales performance, the Pau-Pau’s Top of Table Award was awarded to:
- Alberto’s Pizza
- Sal’s Bar and Restaurant
- Dimsum Break
- Ribshack
- PorkHub
These food brands were recognized for their strong performance and presence on the platform.
Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master Award
The Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master Award recognized merchants that achieved outstanding year-on-year growth during the first half of 2026.
Awardees included:
- Sisigan Sa Doctors
- Ma. Lina Catering Services
- The Original AA BBQ
- Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries
- Tiktilaok
The recognition highlights the continued growth of homegrown food businesses across the Visayas.
Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight Award
The Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight Award celebrated merchants that demonstrated innovative marketing strategies and strong partnerships with foodpanda.
This year's recipients were:
- Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant
- Mom Rose
- Cebu’s Tasty Lechon
- Cribs
- Ram’s Pizza, Pasta and Milktea
- Metro Retail Supermarket
Operational Excellence Award
Reliable fulfillment and consistently high service are essential to the customer experience. The Operational Excellence Award recognized merchants that demonstrated strong operational performance.
Awardees were:
- Hybrid Coffee
- Somac Korean Restaurant
- Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea
- Popcha Milktea Station
- Gabby’s Bistro
- Rose Pharmacy
People’s Palate Award
Meanwhile, the People’s Palate Award recognized crowd favorites that stood out for customer ratings and repeat orders.
The awardees included:
- Hukad Everyday Filipino
- SAJ HUT
- Mango Magic
- Dapogan
- Wingers Unlimited
Alberto’s Pizza received the gold Pau Pau’s Top of Table Award for outstanding sales performance and market leadership. Founded in Cebu in 2008, the brand continues to bring affordable, quality pizzas to the VisMin region.
Using Technology to Drive Restaurant Growth
As the food and restaurant industry continues to evolve, digital technology is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to expand their customer base and improve day-to-day operations.
Ahead of the holiday season, foodpanda is strengthening its merchant ecosystem with AI-driven forecasting tools and automated marketing features designed to help regional food businesses maximize their daily capacity, better anticipate demand, and encourage repeat customers.
For Cebu restaurants and other food businesses across the Visayas, these tools can provide opportunities to reach customers beyond their immediate neighborhoods and physical storefronts.
“We view ourselves as a complete growth engine for regional entrepreneurs,” added Jacinto. “We’re here to ensure local food brands across the Visayas have every technological advantage needed to thrive.”
Celebrating the Visayas Food Industry
The success of foodpanda CRAVE 2026 in Cebu reflects the growing potential of food businesses across the Visayas. From established restaurant chains to homegrown brands and local favorites, regional merchants are increasingly using digital platforms to connect with customers and grow their businesses.
The CRAVE 2026 nationwide roadshow will continue following its Cebu stop, with Manila serving as its final leg.
For local restaurants, food entrepreneurs, and food lovers, the event also shines a spotlight on the diverse and growing food scene that continues to make the Visayas a dynamic destination for food and dining.
Hukad Everyday Filipino took the gold People’s Palate Award for its strong customer following and ratings. The brand traces its roots to Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant, which began in Cebu City in 1982.
Rose Pharmacy was recognized with the gold Operational Excellence in foodpanda shops Award for seamless and reliable service. Founded in Iloilo in 1952, the homegrown pharmacy has grown into a trusted healthcare retailer with a strong presence across the Visayas and Mindanao.
Hybrid Coffee was honored with the gold Operational Excellence Award for high operational standards and reliable service. The Lapu-Lapu City neighborhood café combines coffee, home-style meals, and a carwash in one unique concept.
Sisigan Sa Doctors claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Momentum Master Award for strong H1 2026 performance. What started as a street food spot in Iloilo City in 2021 has grown to two branches serving affordable comfort food around the clock.