The Philippine Coffee Industry
By D.J. Minguillan

Drinking coffee has become part of the Filipino lifestyle: present in social gatherings, late night parties and even a suitable excuse for casual dinner dates. There is a distinct appreciation for its taste, aroma, flavor and even its origin.

The current trend of increased coffee production is an indicator of a rising coffee industry. From instant 3-in-1 blends to iced frothy mixes of mocha and cappuccino. From homegrown coffee like the Kapeng Barako of Batangas (the Liberia kind) are other coffee varieties such as Arabica, Robusta and Excelsa, all of which are served in foreign franchises such as Starbucks, Australian Mocha Blends and Japanese UCC.

As offshoot of these international coffee chains, Filipino entrepreneurs found the opportunity to open up business in the form of coffee shops or by exporting coffee beans. This is all due to the growing supply and affordability of Philippine coffee. The Filipinos have become more appreciative of coffee.  They see it as a potential business investment.

 Cost-Effective

Locally-grown coffee is still cheaper than imported coffee. Its quality is excellent, as proven by the sustained growth success of the Filipino company Continental Associated Food Products Export, Inc. (Cafex). It has been said that Cafex roasts around 4,000 kilos of coffee beans in a month for export to Asian countries, aside from supplying local hotels, restaurants and coffee shops.

 Saving the Beans

Despite coffee’s seeming popularity in the local market, there is still a need to promote indigenously-grown coffee. There are now several coffee ventures established for the cause.  They source their coffees from local growers whose beans are at par with imported ones.

Across the city, the presence of the booming coffee industry is felt. The delicious aroma of ground coffee beans and its flavorful taste is brewed in most cafes.

The demand for coffee products highlights the need to source coffee beans – the main ingredient of the brewed drink. In a bid to augment the shortage of supply, Figaro Coffee Company through Figaro Foundation launched a campaign, a support program for local coffee growers.

Cordillera Coffee sources from local growers in the Cordillera region. The Arabica grown in the mountains of Cordillera is of the best quality, equal to Jamaica’s Blue mountain coffee.

Another local grower, Café Amadeo, offers a different flavor: a blend of Liberica, Excelsa, Arabica and Robusta. Based in Cavite, Café Amadeo Development Cooperative is currently supporting about 100 farmers actively growing coffee.

For more exotic coffee, there is Coffee Alamid. This coffee is a blend of four coffee varieties, harvested in an unusual manner.

The natives of Cordillera up north to Batangas in the south go to forests to hunt for coffee beans excreted by the Philippine Civet cat. The coffee beans come from the sweetest cherries that grow wild in the forest. The beans are washed and dried out in the sun and roasted, until the strong chocolaty aroma comes out. Because of its limited supply, its price is steep – Php 650.00 for a 100-gram bottle.

With the influx of foreign brands, the competition becomes tougher for local coffee farmers and investors. Increased and continuous patronage for local coffee will go a long way in supporting the young coffee industry.

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