Discover Cebu Coffee
The Philippines has a rich coffee history dating back to the 18th century when coffee was introduced by Spanish colonizers. The first coffee plants were brought to the Philippines from Mexico, and it didn't take long for coffee cultivation to take root in the fertile soils of the Philippine archipelago.
During the 19th century, coffee became a major cash crop in the Philippines, particularly in regions like Batangas, Cavite, and Mindanao. The Philippines quickly became one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world.
In the late 19th century, disaster struck the Philippine coffee industry with the outbreak of coffee rust disease, which devastated many coffee plantations. This led to a decline in coffee production, and the Philippines eventually shifted its focus to other crops such as sugar and coconut.
Despite the setbacks, coffee production persisted in the Philippines, albeit on a smaller scale. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Philippine coffee, with local farmers and enthusiasts working to revive traditional coffee varieties and promote specialty coffee grown in the country.
Today, the Philippines is known for producing high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, with regions like Benguet, Sagada, and Mt. Kitanglad in Mindanao gaining recognition for their unique coffee profiles. The Philippine coffee industry continues to grow, supported by initiatives aimed at sustainability, fair trade practices, and promoting the rich coffee heritage of the country.
Coffee Process
Varietal Diversity:
Handcrafted Processing:
Smallholder Farming:
The Philippines boasts a diverse range of coffee varieties, including Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each variety has its own unique flavor profile, influenced by factors such as altitude, soil conditions, and climate, contributing to the rich tapestry of Philippine coffee.
Smallholder Farming:
Handcrafted Processing:
Smallholder Farming:
Much of the coffee production in the Philippines is carried out by smallholder farmers who cultivate coffee on small plots of land. These farmers play a crucial role in the country's coffee industry, often employing traditional farming methods and techniques passed down through generations.
Handcrafted Processing:
Handcrafted Processing:
Handcrafted Processing:
From harvesting to processing, much of the coffee production in the Philippines involves manual labor and traditional methods. After harvesting ripe coffee cherries, they are typically pulped, fermented, washed, and dried using methods such as sun-drying or mechanical drying. This handcrafted approach contributes to the unique quality and character of Philippine coffee.