Search for Solane’s next big food entrepreneur heats up

MANILA, Philippines -Solane is giving a tasty opportunity to food start-ups with the launch of the Next Big Food Entrepreneur. In partnership with Entrepreneur Philippines, Yummy Magazine, and Mercato Centrale, Solane is sponsoring the search for the most unique food venture.

The competition kicked off with 65 food entrepreneurs participating in a food tasting event held at Mercato Centrale in the Bonifacio Global City. Some of the products presented were Pinoy dishes with a twist like Kapampangan longganisa with salted egg, ice cream made from carabao’s milk and Bagnet Paella. There were also innovative desserts like tea mousse, Japanese pancakes and salami peppermint cupcakes.

Mercato Central founders RJ and Vanessa Ledesma, co-founder and food blogger Anton Diaz, Entrepreneur Philippines editor Leah del Castillo, Yummy editor Liezel Liap, and Solane brand communications manager Ernest Loquinario served as judges.

Twenty teams will then qualify for the next round — a weekend food selling at Mercato Centrale for two months. For the entire duration of selling, Solane will provide cooking gas to the participants. The selling period is also an opportunity for them to improve their menu, products and services. This also serves as preparation for the last phase of the contest, which involves developing a perfect business plan for their food ventures.

The contestant with the highest-scored business plan will win P100,000, a six month rent-free stall in Mercato or Soderno and a feature in Entrepreneur Philippines and Yummy magazines.