Understanding Specialty Coffee In The Philippines
Most Filipinos are wondering how they can enjoy the best freshly brewed coffee in the country. Places like Lavazza and Starbucks began springing up in major cities, but these drink establishments offer a far cry from traditional Filipino-crafted specialty coffees. Find out why you need to be drinking Filipino-brewed ‘kape’ for that authentic local flavor in this article!
What is Specialty Coffee
In the Philippines, coffee is grown in the mountainous regions of the country. The climate and soil conditions in these regions are ideal for growing coffee trees. The coffee grown in these regions is referred to as specialty coffee.
Specialty coffee is coffee that is grown in specific geographical regions and has unique characteristics. The coffee beans are handpicked and sorted to ensure only the best beans are used. Specialty coffee is typically darker roasted than other types of coffee, giving it a richer flavor.
Filipino specialty coffees are some of the best in the world. The country’s topography and climate create conditions that are optimal for growing high-quality coffee beans. When combined with the skill of Filipino farmers and roasters, these factors produce coffees that have distinct flavors and aromas.
History of Specialty Coffee
The Philippines has a long and rich history when it comes to coffee. The first coffee trees were planted in the country in 1740 by a Spanish missionary, and the first coffee plantation was established in 1778. Philippine coffee quickly gained a reputation for being high quality, and by the early 1800s, the country was exporting large quantities of coffee to Europe.
In 1882, the Philippines was hit hard by a series of natural disasters that destroyed many of its coffee plantations. This led to a decline in production, and by the early 20th century, the Philippines was importing most of its coffee from other countries.
It wasn’t until the late 1970s that Philippine coffee production started to recover, thanks to government initiatives and the efforts of private companies. Today, the Philippines is once again one of the world’s leading producers of specialty coffees.
The Growth of the Filipino Specialty coffee Industry
The Philippines is one of the world’s top producers of coffee, with a long history of cultivation dating back to the 1600s. In recent years, the country has seen a boom in its specialty coffee industry, thanks to a combination of factors including an increasing interest in quality coffee among consumers, and government support for smallholder farmers.
Today, there are around 400 specialty coffee roasters in the Philippines, up from just a handful a decade ago. These businesses are helping to drive up standards across the country’s coffee sector, and increasing the visibility of Filipino coffee on the global stage.
The Philippine Coffee Board estimates that the country’s specialty coffee industry is currently worth around PHP 1 billion (US $19 million), and it is growing at a rate of 20-30% each year. This growth is being driven by both local and international demand, as more people discover the unique flavors of Philippine coffees.
In order to better meet this demand, the Philippine government has been investing in initiatives to support smallholder farmers and help them improve the quality of their crops. These programs are making a difference: in 2017, Philippine coffees won a number of prestigious international awards, including two gold medals at the World Barista Championship.
With continued investment and support, there is no doubt that the Philippines will continue to grow as a leading producer of specialty coffee.
Factors Contributing to a Healthy Industry: Training and Education
The Philippines is a young coffee producing country. Most farmers are 2nd or 3rd generation and still learning best practices. There is a lot of trial and error as growers experiment with what works on their farm. But, there are also many success stories of producers who have changed their husbandry methods and improved their crops and quality significantly.
There are now more resources available to support farmers in the Philippines. Several international NGOs operate in the country providing training and technical assistance on everything from farm planning to coffee processing. These organizations conduct training events and workshops throughout the year on various topics related to coffee production. Many of these events are free or low-cost, making them accessible to even the smallest growers.
In addition to these NGOs, there are also private companies offering specialized training courses for farmers. These courses can be expensive, but they offer a more targeted education on specific topics like roasting or cupping coffees. There are also Master Farmer programs that provide intensive, hands-on training for small groups of farmers over several months. These programs often include an internship component where participants can learn from experienced farmers how to implement best practices on their own farms.
The government is also starting to get involved in supporting the coffee industry through training and education initiatives. The Department of Agriculture offers free online courses on topics like farm management and crop nutrition. And, the Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization offers discounted trainings on post-harvest processing techniques like wet milling.
Getting Ahead In The Industry
There are a few things that you can do in order to get ahead in the industry. Firstly, it is important to have a strong understanding of the coffee industry and how it works. Secondly, you should try to build relationships with people who are already in the industry and who can help you further your career. Finally, it is also important to be willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to succeed.
If you want to get ahead in the coffee industry, it is essential that you have a strong understanding of how it works. There are many different aspects to the coffee industry, from production and sourcing, to roasting and brewing. It is important that you are able to understand all of these different elements in order to be successful.
In addition to having a strong understanding of the coffee industry, it is also important to build relationships with people who are already involved in it. These contacts can help you further your career by providing advice and guidance, or by introducing you to new opportunities. It is important to remember that networking is key in any industry, but especially so in an industry like coffee where personal connections can make a big difference.
Finally, no matter what field you want to succeed in, hard work and dedication are always essential. This is especially true in the coffee industry where there is a lot of competition. If you are not willing to put in the hours and effort required, then it will be very difficult to succeed. However, if you are willing to work hard and dedicate yourself to your career, then you will have a much better chance of making it in the coffee industry.
