foodpanda marked a strong first half of 2026 and looked ahead to new opportunities with its merchant partners

Mindanawon restaurants harness technology, data, and digital tools to expand their reach and grow their businesses.

Davao City, Philippines — Digital commerce is opening new doors for local restaurants across Mindanao, helping homegrown businesses reach more customers, generate new revenue streams, and grow beyond their physical storefronts.

Kathleen Huang of Unilever Food Solutions explored what innovation means to today’s diners and food businesses

This growing digital momentum took center stage at foodpanda’s CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026 in Davao, where standout merchant partners from Davao and other parts of Mindanao were recognized for their business performance, innovation, and commitment to delivering great customer experiences.

Tuna Republik President Shiella Aranas shared the brand’s scaling journey and the role of foodpanda in its expansion.

Expanding Reach Beyond the Storefront

For many local restaurants, being on foodpanda is more than simply offering delivery. The platform provides merchants with digital tools designed to help them increase visibility, understand customer demand, and build stronger relationships with their customers.

Leopoldo De Castro Jr., Finance Director at foodpanda Philippines, opened CRAVE 2026 by underscoring the company’s commitment to merchant collaboration and business development.

“Through foodpanda, merchants can benefit from platform-wide demand generation initiatives, including fully funded promotional campaigns, customer acquisition and retention vouchers, and free-delivery offers,” said Leopoldo De Castro, Jr., Director of Finance, foodpanda.

Merchants can also tap marketing solutions such as sponsored listings, CPC campaigns, deals, and Pro campaigns, while creating their own promotions through combo meals, flash sales, and seasonal offers.

Access to customer and order insights also allows merchants to better understand purchasing patterns and make more informed decisions when it comes to their menus and promotions.

Alyssa Martinez, Visayas & Mindanao Regional Account Manager at foodpanda Philippines, shared key H1 performance highlights and trends shaping opportunities for merchant partners

On the customer side, tools such as AI Smart Search, personalized recommendations, in-app ratings, and AI-powered review highlights make it easier for diners to discover restaurants and make informed choices.

Celebrating Merchant Excellence

The success of these digital strategies was reflected in the businesses recognized at CRAVE 2026. Merchant partners were honored across several categories.

Pau-Pau’s Top of Table

Celebrating vendors that excelled in sales performance and demonstrated market leadership.

• Tuna Republik

• JM Shawarma

• Villa Tuna Restaurant

• Family Fried Chicken

• Bagong Lipunan

Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master

Recognizing vendors with strong year-over-year performance during the first half of 2026.

• Manolo Halo-Halo

• Bread & Brew Cafe

• Nikko’s Brew

• Pater Al-Kuwait – Aguinaldo Street

• Backyard BBQ

Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight

Honoring vendors that elevated their brands through innovative marketing, consistent performance, and strong partnerships with foodpanda.

• Haveli King

• Bar ko sa Lagao

• Bigby’s

• Pansititoy

• Conlu Bread and Pastry Shop

Operational Excellence

Highlighting vendors that upheld high operational standards and delivered seamless, reliable service.

• Aling Paz Food Haus

• Mang Paeng’s Inasal

• Chicken Hauz

• Kudus Tapsihan

• Butcher’s Best Barbeque

People’s Palate Award

Celebrating crowd favorites with consistent repeat orders and strong customer ratings.

• Bigby’s

• Yamashita Diner

• New Davao Famous

• We Got Cha

• Mandarin Tea Garden

“Our merchant partners know their businesses and customers best, and our role is to give them the tools, insights, and opportunities to help them grow. When used strategically, digital solutions can help businesses expand their customer base, respond to demand, and build stronger customer relationships,” said De Castro.

“CRAVE celebrates the businesses putting these opportunities into action and the partnerships we continue to build with them.”

Growing the Digital Commerce Ecosystem

foodpanda’s digital ecosystem extends beyond restaurant delivery. Through pandamart and foodpanda Shops, the platform continues to expand its quick-commerce services, giving consumers convenient access to groceries and everyday essentials while creating new opportunities for local retailers.

DTI XI Regional Director Romeo Castañaga discussed how food MSMEs can leverage digitalization for sustainable business.

As merchant partners grow through digital platforms, the impact goes beyond individual businesses. Their success also contributes to the livelihood of riders and staff, supports local suppliers and producers, and helps strengthen regional economies across Mindanao.

The Davao leg marks the beginning of the CRAVE 2026 nationwide series, which will continue to Cebu before culminating in Manila.

More than an awards program, CRAVE highlights the growing role of digital technology in helping Philippine businesses adapt, connect with customers, and unlock new opportunities for growth.