Philippine Specialty Coffee at Specialty Prices

I recently attended a forum titled “Revisiting Filipino Coffee Culture,” a conversation with an esteemed panel of roasters and producers from across the Philippines. The goal was to better understand the challenges our industry faces and to hear directly from those shaping the future of Philippine specialty coffee.

Among the many insights shared, the most unforgettable story came from the only farmer on the panel, Rommel Cabristante. He recalled a time when his coffee sold for only PHP 80 per kilo, and how many farmers in his community were cutting down their coffee trees to plant sayote instead. The shift from growing commodity-grade coffee to producing specialty arabica or fine robusta is no small feat. It demands immense time, labor, and investment, and unfortunately, Rommel Cabristante’s story is one that has become all too familiar for many farmers. Things are changing! Competitions like the PCQC and expos like the Philippine Coffee Expo are proving the quality of Philippine specialty coffee, giving our farmers leverage when negotiating price.

There are countless economic considerations that producers and roasters must have when it comes to buying. Is there a demand? How much can they sell the coffee for? What about its quality? Not all coffee is equal.

How can we bridge the gap between our farmers and producers? One word echoed across all panelists: honesty. Honesty from farmers about the true quality of their harvest. Honesty from producers and roasters in recognizing that quality, and making fair, responsible decisions when buying. As Arnel Cadeliña put it, “Coffee don’t lie.” The quality of a bean is revealed in its appearance, aroma, and taste, none of which can be faked. That’s why relationships are everything in the coffee industry. Trust between farmers and producers is built through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a shared vision for quality. It's the foundation for consistency. Producers can empower farmers by teaching them how to cup and taste their own coffee. And farmers, in turn, can invite producers to their farms, to walk the same steep trails during harvest season and see firsthand that coffee is more than a product; it’s a story of perseverance.

Great coffee starts conversations. When a brew really hits, people ask, “Saan galing ‘to?” That moment of curiosity is our chance to tell the story behind the cup, from farm to table, and to honor the people who made it possible.

This is Timdrinkscoffee, where coffee meets contemplation.