How to Apply to Mercato Centrale’s The Next Big Food Entrepreneur 2026

Mercato brings back The Next Big Food Entrepreneur (NBFE 2026) in 2026 and has opened applications for aspiring food founders in the Philippines.

NBFE 2026 invites Filipino culinary entrepreneurs to apply for a chance to transform their concepts into sustainable, market-ready businesses.

Mercato Centrale has helped nurture brands that started as weekend concepts, including Mama Lou’s, Merry Moo, Sunrise Buckets, Thai Mango, and Tokyo Tempura.

“The Philippines is brimming with culinary talent, but talent alone isn’t enough to build a lasting brand,” said RJ Ledesma, CEO of Mercato Centrale Group and editor-at-large of The Business Manual. “Through The Next Big Food Entrepreneur, we aim to bridge creativity and entrepreneurship by giving founders not just exposure, but the mentorship, structure, and real-world experience they need to scale sustainably.”

The program begins with the “Digital Sift,” an open call inviting food entrepreneurs to introduce themselves through a 30–40 second video on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, sharing their product, inspiration, and the vision behind their brand. 

Participants must follow and tag Mercato Centrale’s official social media pages and include the hashtag #NBFE2026Entry to qualify.

Entries will be accepted until March 17.

For aspiring entrepreneurs who may not have the means to produce a video entry, Mercato Centrale provides an alternative application pathway through an online submission form.

Selected applicants advance to the “Tasting Table,” where 15-20 shortlisted food brands present their creations to invited guests and key opinion leaders.