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For the first time ever, pork will compete for its own crown alongside the much-loved pan chicken, adding a bold new flavour to the PAN Championship, Jamaica's premier street food showdown.

The introduction of pork to the PAN main stage reflects a deeper push to celebrate Jamaican culinary diversity while empowering local food entrepreneurs. Nicole Hall, commercial marketing manager at CB Foods, said "PAN pork has always been part of Jamaican street food culture -- it's in our DNA. While pork has long been on the menu at PAN, this year we're shining a well-deserved spotlight on it."

The competition, fuelled by Copperwood Pork, highlights a cleaner, leaner, and more tender cut of meat, offering vendors and patrons alike a premium experience. But it's not just about taste. The PAN Pork Competition aims to build awareness around the versatility of pork and its potential to dominate local menus from cookshops to catering events.

"This competition isn't just about who grills it best--it's about exploring how PAN Pork can become a fixture across the Jamaican food landscape, whether in street vending, cookshops, restaurants, or catering," Hall said.

"We've invited past PAN Chicken finalists to return and battle it out for the title of PAN Pork Champion. Just like PAN Chicken, we want to see PAN Pork on every corner. It's time for pork lovers to unite and find out who really has the baddest PAN Pork on the grill," she added.

The grand finale set for Sunday, August 31, at Jamaica College in St Andrew, but the journey begins with two private development workshops taking place in St Catherine and St James. These sessions are designed to train and assess PAN vendors, offering business guidance, culinary techniques, and a shot at qualifying for the finals.

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.

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.

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," Hall said.