By Ainsworth Morris

The grounds of Jamaica College will come alive as 32 men and women put their culinary skills to the test on August 31 for the coveted titles of ‘best pan chicken’ and ‘best pan pork’ in the CB Foods’ 2025 PAN Finals. 

The date and location of the annual summer sizzle event was announced by host Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Wilkinson on Tuesday (July 1) during a launch event held at La Vida Venue in St. Andrew. 

In addition to the PAN men and women competing for the coveted titles with the Best PAN Chicken and Best Copperwood PAN Pork, an entertainment package is lining up with The ASHE Company, Giomar Mitchell and Kevin Downswell already booked.  

senior manager of commercial marketing at CB Foods, announced that the theme for this year’s staging is ‘Roots, Rock & Ready Chicken‘, which is geared towards celebrating Jamaica’s cultural roots, the rhythm of Jamaican music, and the unbeatable taste of CB Chicken.

She also highlighted the return of partners such as JN Money, who not only support PAN people and benefit the wider Jamaican public, but will also offer training for proper business and money management to all contestants at the workshops that will be held on July 13 and 27 in Kingston and Montego Bay.  

“Being a great PAN man or woman involves more than just cooking the better-tasting PAN chicken. It’s about customer service, smart business management, and food safety done right,” Hall explained in her reasoning as to why financial literacy is important.  

“PAN has always been the ultimate chicken competition in Jamaica, but it’s so much more – it’s a celebration of street food culture, entrepreneurship, and community spirit,” she continued. “This year, PAN comes back with an even deeper purpose and bigger impact.” 

She said, “Through workshops, immersive storytelling, and a full-day festival experience, we will honour the people behind the PAN and build a national movement that uplifts local talent and connects the CB Foods portfolio to Jamaican hearts and plates.” 

At the all-day PAN Finals event, the top two vendors from all parishes across the island will go head-to-head for the title of PAN champion, winning J$1 million cash and a year’s supply of CB Chicken and many more cash prizes from the PAN partners.

Attendees can also look forward to dedicated family zones, wellness services, a vibrant food village, and a sizzling lineup of day and night entertainment that keeps the vibes flowing from sunup to sundown.

Hall also made a huge announcement, which will bring added excitement to this year’s competition.  

“For the first time, our very own CB Group team members will step into the spotlight in the CB Group PAN Champion competition. Our internal competitors will participate in the workshop, compete at PAN Finals, and have their confetti moment on the big stage,” she said.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there, the competition is also introducing the Copperwood PAN Pork Champion. For the first time, CB Foods is welcoming PAN pork into the ring to find out who has the best-tasting pork on the PAN.