As part of the Regional Coffee Expo 2024, nearly 500 specialty coffee farmers are set to receive comprehensive training and seminars designed to enhance their skills and advance the coffee industry. This initiative aims to elevate the specialty coffee sector and support small-scale farmers.
During the “Habi at Kape” event on September 11, Shosi Mari Salubre Larido, the expo chair, outlined the Davao Coffee Council’s commitment to providing growers with essential knowledge in agricultural practices and coffee processing. The council plans to conduct visits across five provinces in the Davao Region next year to address the challenges faced by coffee farmers.
Larido emphasized the importance of educating farmers on techniques to increase the value of their products while maintaining high-quality standards. “Our goal is to equip coffee farmers with the expertise needed to enhance the price of their produce and ensure consistent quality through improved processing methods,” Larido stated.
This year’s expo is dedicated to advancing farmers’ skills from cultivation through to the final coffee product, with the aim of bolstering the local coffee industry. Several farmers will participate in the expo to present and promote their specialty coffee offerings.
Ian Asilo from McRia Coffee highlighted the growing potential of the Philippine specialty coffee market, noting that the country’s coffee sector is on the rise. He also pointed out ongoing challenges such as climate change, the impact of high-altitude coffee cultivation, and financing issues affecting coffee production.
The Regional Coffee Expo 2024 is scheduled to take place from September 20 to 21 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center. The event will feature four types of specialty coffee—Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica—and will include major activities such as Coffee Mixology, Latte Art demonstrations, and coffee competitions.
The two-day expo aims to foster local industry growth, create networking opportunities, highlight innovations and trends, and promote sustainable practices in coffee production.