The annual PAN competition hosted by CB Foods is back but with a twist.

This year’s iteration will include workshops for all participants.

Previously, only the finalists heading to the grand finals got the opportunity to be a part of a workshop. This time, however, every participant is able to experience the workshop to improve their skills.

“In order to truly make a difference we rearranged the flow of the entire competition so that every pan competitor and their assistant could benefit from the workshops. We extended the topics, invited more industry leaders, and built a curriculum that would have them engaged and entertained but, importantly, improve their business skills and food quality,” said Nicole Hall, commercial marketing manager at CB Foods.

The first workshops was held on Sunday, July 21, at St Jago High School in Spanish Town, St Catherine, which saw the participation of 100 pan vendors representing St Catherine, Clarendon, Portland, St Mary, Manchester, Kingston and St Andrew, and St Thomas.

At the end of the theory and practical presentations two individuals from each parish were announced to proceed to the grand finals, set to take place on Sunday, August 25, at Independence Park, Black River, St Elizabeth.

Millicent Doherty, who hails from the community of Portland Cottage in Clarendon, was the first-place winner for the parish.

“I learnt a lot from the workshop today. It was really nice and I learnt how… to make a sauce in a different way,” said Doherty.

Presenter Shenek Kelly, whose presentation focused on food safety and food hygiene, believes these workshops are important for the sector.

“In my presentation I emphasised the importance of food safety and personal hygiene. I believe these factors are crucial because pan vendors have a globally recognised product that represents Jamaica. In order to ensure consistent quality, we reinforced the significance of food safety and explained how their personal hygiene practices can have a positive impact. Our aim is for them to always operate at the highest standard,” Kelly asserted.

Hall added: “A part of CB Group’s vision is empowering people. We believe that education is crucial for empowerment and confidence. Being a great pan man or woman involves more than just cooking the baddest pan chicken, it also encompasses excellent customer service, strong business management, and compliance with food health and safety standards. That’s why we have chosen to use the workshops as the qualifying round for the grand finals.”

The first and second-place winners from each parish who moved on to the grand finals received cash prizes of $50,000 and $30,000, respectively, and prizes from other PAN partners.

The winner at the grand finals will be the recipient of cash prizes by CB Chicken and a year’s supply of chicken, bread from National Baking Company, ketchup, along with prizes from JN Money, Red Stripe Beer, among other PAN partners.