Cebu's robust growth spurs food sector boom

CEBU, a dynamic economic hub, is significantly boosting businesses in the food sector. The region’s food service sector is experiencing robust growth, fueled by a confluence of factors beyond tourism, including rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences shaping the dining scene. Louren Chua-Sy, Brand Manager of Global Pacific’s Flagship Brands, said Cebu, as a top tourist destination with over three million tourists last year, and the growing IT-BPM industry are bringing strong business to the food and beverage sector.

“Restaurants, cafés, resorts, and bakeries are multiplying. On top of that, the growing IT-BPM sector means more people are dining out regularly. The dining industry in Cebu is thriving, and a lot of entrepreneurs want to get into the game.



Many restaurants are looking to expand into multiple branches or new concepts,” said Sy. She said this puts their business, Global Pacific, at an advantage as it carries an extensive range of products that cater to hotels, cafés, and bakeshops. The company also has a team of chefs to help restaurants and cafes with their menus.

Chua-Sy also noted emerging trends within Cebu’s culinary scene, observing, “There is a growing trend for coffee shops that offer interesting experiences — from beautifully designed interiors to interesting locations. The pastry offerings in Cebu are also getting more exciting.” Charo del Mar, National Trade Marketing Manager of Global Pacific, highlighted the vibrant energy of Cebu’s culinary scene and Global Pacific’s commitment to the region’s growth.

“Cebu has always been a culinary powerhouse in the Visayas, and the energy here is electric,” Del Mar said. “We’re here not just to sell, but to support businesses as they grow—because their success is our success too. We want to partner with Cebuano entrepreneurs as they enter the food service industry and also support those ready to expand.

” Del Mar said they have a series of expos and workshops where existing and aspiring food entrepreneurs can join. WOFEX 2025 Global Pacific was one of the exhibitors that joined the recently concluded WOFEX Cebu 2025, held from April 24 to 26, 2025, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Global Pacific is a well-established food service supplier catering to the diverse needs of the hospitality and restaurant industry.

The company’s booths showcased a comprehensive selection of ingredients and products from renowned international and local brands, including Arla, Bravo, Bakerdream, Beryl’s, DLA, Conaprole, Castelvetere, Prochiz, Devondale, Armando, Sunshine Dairy, Dionysus, Aviko, Bunge, Andros, Banquet D’or, OraSi, Prairie Farms, Master Martini, Flechard, Yamamori, Mlekpol, Easy, and Sunny Farms. In addition to its global portfolio, Global Pacific also showcased its flagship brands geared toward supporting food startups and scaling businesses, such as Bravo, which is developed specifically for bakeries and coffee shops, and Sunny Farms, which caters to hotels, restaurants, and resorts. / KOC.