Melbourne-based specialty coffee brand St. Ali has officially entered the Filipino market, launching its first outlet at Opus Mall in Manila. This move marks the latest in a string of international coffee brands to establish a presence in the Philippines, following notable names such as Toby’s Estate, The Coffee Academïcs, and Omotesando Koffee.
Founded in 2005, St. Ali is one of Melbourne’s leading specialty coffee roasters, celebrated for its commitment to ethical sourcing and direct trade practices. Initially confined to the Australian market, where it currently operates eight stores, St. Ali first ventured abroad in 2010 with a London outlet. The London location was later rebranded as Workshop Coffee, but St. Ali’s international journey continued, with an Indonesian launch in 2016 and a second Indonesian outlet opening in Bali in 2017.
“We’re driven to share our passion for coffee and hospitality worldwide,” said Lachlan Ward, CEO of St. Ali. “Coffee is more than just a drink – it’s a craft. And we’re excited to introduce the St. Ali experience to Filipino coffee lovers.”
Specialty Coffee’s Rising Popularity in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing branded coffee shop markets in East Asia, and the demand for specialty coffee is quickly rising. Toby’s Estate, another Australian brand, has been expanding in the Philippines since 2014 and now operates 11 locations. Additionally, Hong Kong’s The Coffee Academïcs and Elephant Grounds Coffee, Japan’s Omotesando Koffee and The Matcha Tokyo, and the French-Japanese fusion Café Kitsuné have all found success in the country.
Local players are also thriving, as evidenced by Yardstick, a Filipino specialty coffee brand that has added three locations over the past 18 months, bringing its total to eight stores. Japanese chain % Arabica, which returned to the Philippines in mid-2023, recently opened a roastery in Manila, reinforcing the nation’s specialty coffee movement.
A Competitive Coffee Landscape
The broader Filipino branded coffee shop market currently boasts over 3,200 outlets, with established international chains such as Dunkin’, Starbucks, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf leading the way. However, domestic brands like Pickup Coffee, Bo’s Coffee, and But First, Coffee are expanding rapidly, adding diversity to the coffee landscape.
According to World Coffee Portal’s Project Café East Asia 2024 research, the Filipino branded coffee shop market is on track to surpass 5,200 outlets by 2028. With the specialty coffee segment showing promising growth, St. Ali’s entry into the market comes at an opportune time, as more Filipino consumers seek high-quality coffee experiences.
By joining the ranks of established and emerging specialty coffee players, St. Ali is set to make a significant impact in the Philippines. As the market continues to evolve, coffee lovers in Manila and beyond now have one more exciting option to explore.
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