In the world of coffee , the Philippines is unique. Due to its climate and environment, it is one of the few countries in the world to produce four viable coffee varieties: Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica.
But having four varieties doesn't guarantee the success of Philippine coffee; in fact, it's quite the opposite. The country's coffee industry has experienced both tremendous growth and significant decline. Now, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and total annual production is increasing every year.
A Brief History of Philippine Coffee
The Philippines has been a coffee-producing country since the mid-18th century. When coffee leaf rust affected Brazil, parts of Africa, and Java in the 1880s, the nation became the world's leading producer . But coffee leaf rust later reached the Philippines, and production never fully recovered to these levels.
In 1960, a government law was introduced to ban coffee imports. With this help, the Philippines produced enough coffee for domestic consumption and export until the collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in 1989.
Subsequently, new trade regimes eliminated import quotas, and the nation now relies on coffee from Vietnam and Indonesia , which can provide it at a cheaper price than local producers.
The Philippines is made up of more than 7,000 islands. Within this archipelago, microclimates and conditions vary greatly. This makes the country suitable for growing a variety of coffee varieties and provides ample opportunity for specialty coffee.
But the islands are increasingly affected by strong typhoons, even in the traditional coffee-growing areas of the Cordillera Administrative Region and Calabarzon. The combined forces of the global economy and climate change are barriers to coffee production in the Philippines .
Coffee culture in the Philippines
Over time, people in the Philippines, like the rest of the world, have graduated from moderate coffee drinkers to heavy drinkers . This is believed to be due to the appeal of the 3-in-1 coffee blends that are so popular in the country.
Ninety-three percent of all Filipino households purchase these mixes at least once a week. The convenience of these instant mixes is their main selling point: they consist of pre-mixed coffee with milk/cream and sugar/syrup. They're ideal for when you're on the go or when you just fancy something quick and easy.
Now, with the success of instant coffee blends, Filipino coffee shops and cafes are thriving. As of last year, there were approximately 20 coffee chains operating there, and their popularity is only growing . Starbucks now also has several cafes in the Philippines, especially in Manila.
Along with these local coffee shops, coffee vending machines are found in all crowded areas, such as malls, markets, or even bus terminals. Wherever you go in the more urban areas of the Philippines, you're sure to have your coffee needs met.
You may be interested in: Countries where coffee is most consumed
Crop
Currently, the Philippines has a domestic consumption that is much higher (almost double) than its total production.
Arabica and Robusta represent almost 90% of the total production volume. The remaining 10% is made up of the Liberica and Excelsa varieties. In 2013-2014, the country's annual production reached 18,000 tons of Arabica, 52,000 tons of Robusta, and approximately 5,000 tons of Liberica and Excelsa combined. The Philippines is unique in having Liberica and Excelsa grown alongside Arabica and Robusta.
Where is coffee produced in the Philippines?
Different areas of the Philippines are specializing in growing different varieties of coffee.
Sultan Kudarat leads the production of Arabica and Robusta.
Sulu specializes in Liberica and Excelsa.
Other important areas of Philippine coffee cultivation are:
- Batangas
- Cavita
- Davao Oriental
- Bukidnon
- Davao del Sur
- Kalinga
- North and South Cotabato
- Iloilo
- Maguindanao
- Quezon
The Philippine Coffee Board
Established in 2002, the Philippine Coffee Board aims to promote and develop the Philippine coffee industry through marketing and development programs for coffee farms.
Comprised of a dedicated and passionate team of roasters, producers, retailers, and local governments, the Philippine Coffee Board promotes education for the many Filipino coffee farmers . They also hold several events throughout the year, including agricultural courses, farm visits, and coffee shop seminars.
Its mission is to create a unified industry that develops and promotes Philippine coffee, setting quality standards for all beans.
The Philippine Coffee Network
Another key objective of the coffee board is to develop an "inclusive network of coffee stakeholders across all sections of the coffee value chain." This includes coffee producer associations and groups, and will also include those associated with the product: farmers, coffee retailers, and coffee shop owners.
The Network will be a platform for exchanging information on best growing practices, essential coffee knowledge , and contact information for the benefit of the coffee community at large.
Whether it's coffee from Batangas province, a sweet and strong cup of Barako, or a 3-in-1 instant blend, Filipino coffee comes in many shapes and sizes, all unique to the 7,641 islands that make up the archipelagic country of the Philippines.