The three-day maiden Negros Occidental Coffee Fiesta opened yesterday to celebrate and promote the Negrense coffee culture at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
Organized by the Negros Occidental Coffee Council, supported by the provincial government and the Department of Trade and Industry, at least 11 local coffee shops are joining the event together with various coffee farmers and producer groups, and suppliers.
Dina Genzola, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), said through the coffee fiesta, the province seeks to foster collaboration among stakeholders and support local farmers, producers and entrepreneurs in showcasing their products and innovations.
She noted that Negros Occidental only has 16 percent coffee sufficiency, which she considers an opportunity for farmers to go into coffee production.
“We want to encourage our farmers who want to diversify, who still have space in their farms to plant coffee, which has a big potential. In Negros alone, there is a big demand for coffee,” she added.
Teddy Cañete, president of Negros Occidental Coffee Council, said the staging of the coffee fiesta was an initial success for the coffee industry in the province.
“This is a collective effort. With the turnout now, we can see there is unity among the coffee value chain players, from the farmers, processors, baristas, consolidators, and those who belong to the other aspects of the industry,” he added.
Cañete said that for the coffee community in Negros Occidental, he wants to promote transparency in coffee production — from seed to cup.
On the opening day, there were talks on “Innovations for Modern Coffee Farming” with Rey John Basco, the first placer of the 2024 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, and “Protecting Biodiversity and Protecting Communities” with Ma. Theresa Ramos, an awardee of Collective Power Catalyst Champion – Wedu Woman Leadership Awards and the “Curve Robusta Manual Brewing Challenge” competition.
On August 10, there will be sessions on “Navigating Changing Consumer Trends in the Coffee Industry” with Franz Louie Domasian of Coffee Crawler PH; “Building Trust in Your Coffee Brand” with Gab Villegas of The Den Coffee Manila, Escolta Coffee Company; “Elevating Your Barista Career through Competitions and Growth” with Kevin Israel, the first Philippine barista champion; and Sustainable Coffee Creations: Coffee Candle and Coffee Soap Making with the Provincial Technology and Livelihood Center, along with the Philippine Coffee Guild (PCG) Signature Beverage Challenge.
A public cupping dubbed “Empowering Consumers Through Coffee Education” with Thomas Sproten of Coffee Culture will be held on August 11.
The final day will also showcase the practical skills of baristas in a simulated café setting during the PCG Latte Art Simulation Duo competition, which aims to promote and highlight the essence of speed, accuracy, and teamwork in creating captivating latte art designs. (PNA)