On June 2-4, 2023, the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila, is expected to host the Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2023, a three-day event that will feature the newest industry products, exciting trends, international coffee experts, and a world-class exhibition of Philippine and foreign coffee companies. PCE 2023 is expected to draw over 1,000 people to the plenary sessions, as well as over 70 booths, dozens of concessionaires, and over 6,000 visitors over the course of three days.

“The Philippine specialty coffee is very much on the rise,” says Mr. T.J. Ryan, who is the Chief-of-Party ACDI/VOCA PhilCAFE Project. ACDI/VOCA is an economic development organization that fosters broad-based economic growth, raises living standards, and creates vibrant communities. Based in Washington, D.C. Since 1963, ACDI/VOCA has worked in 146 countries, specializing in investment catalysis, climate smart agriculture, empowerment and resilience, institutional strengthening, and market systems.

“The (Philippine coffee) industry as a whole is adapting good agricultural practices using the latest production techniques available to producers. Under the equipment side, there is an improvement that is happening that is crucial in terms of producing quality and eliminating defects,” said Ryan when we asked how the local industry is facing the challenges of modernization and technological advancements.

This question arises as the PCE embraces the theme "Brewing the Future," as the industry looks forward to an exciting future for Philippine coffee and prepares for the challenges and opportunities that await.

This year's PCE will be the annual Philippine Coffee Quality Competition's grand finale (PCQC). During the PCE, the PCQC winners will be officially announced. There are about a hundred specialty Arabica and fine Robusta entries from coffee farmers from various parts of the Philippines' coffee-producing regions. At a later date, the Philippine Coffee Guild (PCG) will lead an auction of PCQC winners.

“The technology here is probably in certain places as modern as anywhere. The knowledge that goes to support, perhaps the latest technology, people are adapting and using it. The standards used for the competition are world-class,” added Ryan.

Throughout the three-day event, various coffee-related exhibitors will showcase their products and services for those looking for suppliers, while exciting barista competitions will take place at the competition area at the same time. There will also be a business-matching area where buyers and sellers can sit down and close business deals.

"We are expecting a diverse group of participants that represent the key players of the Philippine coffee value chain and market systems from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao," said Ron Yu, PCG executive director.

He also stated that the expo's plenary session will feature Philippine and international speakers who will discuss coffee industry trends, business opportunities and challenges, coffee quality, marketing, and the growing demand for Philippine coffee, among other topics.

"We are encouraging everyone to join us at the World Trade Center to experience and taste the best coffee products from the Philippines and converge with coffee farmers, coffee producers, business owners, organizations, baristas, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts from all over the Philippines," Yu said.

Various topics will be presented by local and international coffee experts in the plenary area during the first two days, and pocket talks will take place in the breakout sessions.

The PCE will host the first-ever Roasters and Producers Forum in the morning, followed by the awarding of the PCQC winning farmers in the afternoon, on the last day of the expo.

International speakers, champion baristas, award-winning farmers, coffee scientists, and other special guest experts will attend the expo.

Concept Specialist Inc., Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, Global Pacific Distribution Network Corporation, and ACDI/VOCA PhilCAFE are among the sponsors.

The PCE 2023 is supported by the Departments of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, and the PhilCAFE Project, which is implemented by ACDI/VOCA and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

PCG is a non-profit progressive coffee industry organization in the Philippines. Since 2019, the organization has envisioned an inclusive, unified, and sustainable Philippine coffee quality, culture, and economy. Its mission is to be a catalyst for mobilizing and building consensus among stakeholders in the value chain, as well as to advocate for the growth and advancement of the Philippine coffee industry.

(Credits to Manila Bulletin)

https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/13/philippine-coffee-expo-2023-s-brewing-the-future-anticipates-challenges-and-exciting-future-for-the-philippine-coffee-industry