Food businesses across the Visayas are increasingly turning to digital tools to reach customers, manage demand and expand beyond their physical storefronts as the region’s services economy continues to grow.
Restaurant owners and food entrepreneurs from Central, Eastern and Western Visayas gathered in Cebu City for the CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026, where discussions focused on digitalization and new growth opportunities for local food businesses.
The gathering, held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, highlighted the growing role of customer data, digital marketing and delivery technology in helping small and established food businesses adapt to changing consumer behavior.
The initiative comes as the services sector continues to account for a large share of Central Visayas’ economy.
Government data showed that services contributed 71.1 percent of the region’s economic output in 2025, with accommodation and food services among the sectors that have continued to expand.
Patricia Jacinto, director for growth and marketing at foodpanda Philippines, said digital platforms can help local restaurants respond to changes in demand and expand their customer reach.
“Our mission is to actively power the growth of our merchant partners,” Jacinto said.
She said combining the culinary expertise of Visayan restaurants with digital tools and customer insights could help businesses respond more quickly to market shifts, increase orders and expand beyond their physical locations.
Digital platforms can also give merchants access to real-time customer data, targeted marketing tools and delivery fulfillment services, allowing businesses to respond to local demand while reaching visitors and tourists in the region.
The summit also recognized food businesses across the Visayas for their performance, growth, customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Alberto’s Pizza, Sal’s Bar and Restaurant, Dimsum Break, Ribshack and PorkHub received the Top of Table award for market leadership and sales performance.
The Momentum Master award for year-on-year growth during the first half of 2026 went to Sisigan Sa Doctors, Ma. Lina Catering Services, The Original AA BBQ, Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries and Tiktilaok.
Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant, Mom Rose, Cebu’s Tasty Lechon, Cribs, Ram’s Pizza, Pasta and Milktea, and Metro Retail Supermarket were recognized under the Brand Spotlight category for marketing initiatives and platform engagement.
Hybrid Coffee, Somac Korean Restaurant, Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea, Popcha Milktea Station, Gabby’s Bistro and Rose Pharmacy received the Operational Excellence award for service reliability and fulfillment performance.
The People’s Palate Award, based on customer ratings and repeat orders, was given to Hukad Everyday Filipino, SAJ HUT, Mango Magic, Dapogan and Wingers Unlimited.
As businesses prepare for the holiday season, digital platforms are also developing tools aimed at helping merchants anticipate demand and manage operations.
These include AI-assisted forecasting and automated marketing features designed to help businesses estimate customer demand, manage capacity and improve customer engagement.
Jacinto said technology could play a role in helping local entrepreneurs improve their operations and pursue new markets.
“We see technology as an important enabler of long-term merchant growth,” she said.
The CRAVE 2026 roadshow will proceed to Luzon following its Visayas leg.
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