foodpanda Champions Growth at CRAVE 2026 in Cebu

Food entrepreneurs and restaurant leaders from across the Visayas gathered in Cebu City for foodpanda’s CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026, highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in helping local food businesses reach more customers and expand beyond their home markets.

The event brought together merchants from Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas for discussions on digital tools, customer trends, marketing, and delivery operations that can help businesses keep up with a changing market.

Beyond food delivery, foodpanda said its platform gives merchants access to customer data, marketing tools, and delivery solutions that can help them understand demand, improve operations, and reach both local customers and tourists.

“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.”

Honoring the Visayas’ Top-Growing Brands

CRAVE 2026 also recognized foodpanda partner merchants across the Visayas for their sales performance, growth, marketing efforts, customer service, and overall partnership with the platform.

The Pau-Pau’s Top of Table award went to Alberto’s Pizza, Sal’s Bar and Restaurant, Dimsum Break, Ribshack, and PorkHub for market leadership and sales performance.

Recognized for strong year-on-year growth during the first half of 2026 were Sisigan Sa Doctors, Ma. Lina Catering Services, The Original AA BBQ, Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, and Tiktilaok, who received the Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master award.

The Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight recognized Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant, Mom Rose, Cebu’s Tasty Lechon, Cribs, Ram’s Pizza, Pasta and Milktea, and Metro Retail Supermarket for their marketing efforts and strong partnership with foodpanda.

For service reliability and fulfillment, Hybrid Coffee, Somac Korean Restaurant, Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea, Popcha Milktea Station, Gabby’s Bistro, and Rose Pharmacy received the Operational Excellence award.

Meanwhile, the People’s Palate Award honored customer favorites Hukad Everyday Filipino, SAJ HUT, Mango Magic, Dapogan, and Wingers Unlimited for strong customer ratings and repeat orders.

More Digital Tools for Merchants

Looking ahead to the holiday season, foodpanda said it is expanding its merchant tools with AI-powered forecasting and automated marketing features to help businesses better manage capacity, respond to demand, and encourage repeat orders.

“We view ourselves as a complete growth engine for regional entrepreneurs,” Jacinto said. “We’re here to ensure local food brands across the Visayas have every technological advantage needed to thrive.”

After its Cebu leg, the CRAVE 2026 roadshow will head to Manila for its final stop.