Come August 31, the grounds of Jamaica College will host PAN Live, the finale of PAN 2025 hosted by CB Foods.

The event will feature lots of excitement and entertainment. The usual giveaways from sponsors via dancing, eating, and various competitions will take place before high-energy performances from the acclaimed ASHE Ensemble, rising star Giomar Mitchell, and gospel powerhouse Kevin Downswell, with more acts to be revealed closer to the date.

PAN 2025 returns bigger, bolder, and even more flavourful as CB Foods celebrates Jamaican street food culture, entrepreneurship, and community spirit with a renewed sense of purpose.

From workshops to a full-day festival experience, this year’s staging shines a spotlight on the people behind the pan. With an emphasis on vendor development and immersive storytelling, the event continues to build a national movement that uplifts local talent and connects the CB Foods portfolio to the hearts and plates of Jamaicans everywhere.

Following the successful 2024 model, two private workshops will be held this year. Designed to equip PAN entrepreneurs with practical business training and culinary skills, the workshops also serve as qualifiers for PAN Live.

This year’s theme, ‘Roots, Rock & Ready Chicken’, celebrates Jamaica’s cultural roots, the rhythm of rocksteady, and the bold, premium quality of CB Chicken.

“This year, patrons can expect even more flavour, excitement, and family fun, all under the theme Roots, Rock & Ready Chicken! We’re turning up the heat with the first-ever PAN Pork Competition, where we’ll crown the inaugural Copperwood PAN Pork Champion alongside our PAN Chicken winner,” shared Nicole Hall, commercial marketing manager at CB Foods.

“We’re also celebrating our own team spirit with the Internal CB Group PAN Champion cook-off. And new for 2025 is an expanded daytime entertainment package with gates opening from 12 noon to deliver a full day of activities, from live performances to family games. PAN has evolved into a full-on festival experience with the Caribbean Passion Kiddies Village, Health & Wellness Zone, cooking showcases, and vibrant entertainment. We’re even levelling up our retail offering, PAN is now the place to shop with special prices on premium products from CB Foods and our partners. Good food, great deals, unforgettable experiences, and best of all, PAN is free,” said Hall.

The PAN 2025 workshops are scheduled for Sunday, July 13 in St Catherine and Sunday, July 27 in St James. While not open to the public, these sessions are critical to the development of the PAN vendor community.

Beyond flavour, vendors will be judged on food safety, customer service, and business management skills. The goal is to build well-rounded food entrepreneurs who not only serve flavour but also run sustainable, standout operations.

At each workshop the winner will walk away with $50,000, while the first runner-up receives $30,000 — both securing a spot at PAN Finals.

Finalists at the grand finale will compete for the title of PAN Champion, with $1 million in cash awarded to the winner, $750,000 for second place, and $500,000 for third.

“Our top three will also receive a one-year supply of CB Chicken, along with additional prizes from partners such as National Bakery, JN Money, and Red Stripe. It’s more than just bragging rights — it’s real support to help our PAN vendors grow,” Hall stressed.

With deep roots, exciting rhythms, and ready-to-serve flavour, PAN 2025 organisers promise a celebration of Jamaican culture like no other.

Nicole Hall, commercial marketing manager at CB Foods, samples Copperwood Pork during the launch event.(Photo: JRoyal Productions)