GOVPH

Philippine specialty coffee seen adding strength to Philippines-China food trade

SHANGHAI – Philippine specialty coffee is seen adding a new flavor dimension to vibrant Philippines-China trade relations, as local connoisseurs, industry players and enthusiasts sampled Philippine brews at a Coffee Tasting event on November 5.

Hosted by the Philippine government at the Parkyard Hotel in Pudong, the event featured roasted coffee beans and ready-to-brew ground coffee from the Philippines’ Southern Tagalog, Cordillera and Mindanao regions, all well-established coffee producing areas.

The Beijing-based Office of the Philippine Agricultural Counsellor curated the selection of quality coffees in partnership with the Philippine Coffee Guild, Verracoffee, Seven R. Coffee, Café Amadeo Development Cooperative, Hineleben Farms, Project Beans, Gourmet Farms and Equilibrium Curve Coffee.

Guests enjoyed the featured varieties and blends, which were served in espresso, long black, Americano and other styles. Chinese and European coffee connoisseurs and scouts, many of whom were first-timers to Philippine coffee, enthusiastically sampled the brews. Native Filipino rice cakes, fruits and other sweets were served, pairing well with the steaming cupfuls.

 “Our team is delighted to receive very positive ratings and feedback from our guests, especially the connoisseurs, whose inputs we value”, said Consul General Josel F. Ignacio. “We take pride in Philippine coffee and know that it will make big waves in China.”

Agricultural Counselor Ana GM B. Abejuela presided over the event. Joining her and Consul General Ignacio were Deputy Consul General Marlowe A. Miranda, Consul John Francis S. Herrera, PTIC-Shanghai Head Consul Mario C. Tani, Tourism Attaché Ireneo H. Reyes, Assistant Tourism Attaché Warren S. Palacio and CITEM Business Representative Raymond Tan.

Coffee’s history in the Philippines dates back almost 300 years. The Philippines shares with only a few countries the distinction of being able to produce all four types of coffee beans (Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa).

Meanwhile, China has grown in prominence and importance as a major coffee market and consumer country, growing over 10% on average year-on-year since 2017, with coffee consumption rising 15% annually. Higher incomes have also raised Chinese coffee drinkers’ standards and appreciation of coffee culture.

Coffee, together with coconut, are being given prominence in the Philippines’ participation in the 5^th China International Import Expo (CIIE) – the world’s biggest import-themed event -- in Shanghai on 5-10 November. END