It was a great opportunity to be chosen as one of the representatives of the Philippine coffee industry to participate at the Specialty Coffee Expo 2023 held in Portland, Oregon last 21-23 April 2023. As President & CEO of Coffee For Peace (CFP), I’m grateful to the efforts of the Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) in bringing coffee industry stakeholders from the Philippines to this international coffee exhibition. By participating in this premier event, Filipino coffee industry players like me were able to showcase our products and connect with the international decision makers in the industry, gaining exposure to global markets and expanding our business opportunities.
I’m a happy Expo participant
As a specialty coffee company based in Davao City, Philippines, Coffee for Peace, Inc. was excited to share the benefits of attending the Specialty Coffee Expo 2023. It was organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). This annual event was a must-attend for everyone in the coffee industry, including roasters, retailers, food and beverage professionals, and coffee enthusiasts.
At the Expo, exhibitors had the opportunity to showcase their products and connect with decision makers in the industry, while also attending lectures and participating in hands-on learning opportunities to further their professional careers. Additionally, food and beverage professionals could explore the latest coffee products and learn how to incorporate specialty coffee into their business plans, making purchasing decisions face-to-face on the show floor.
For coffee enthusiasts of all backgrounds, the Expo offered a chance to watch coffee competitions, attend receptions and lunches, and participate in educational programs on cupping, brewing, and roasting.
I have experienced numerous indicators that the SCA worked tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that this event was inclusive for all aspects of the coffee industry, and that attendees benefited from attending in many ways.
Coffee trading & social enterprise
As a specialty coffee fair-trader in the Philippines, I am always looking for ways to help my farming partners to improve their crop and to increase their income. The Specialty Coffee Expo is a great opportunity for me to do both. The Expo was a great opportunity for me to learn about the latest coffee farming techniques and technologies. I was able to meet with buyers from all over the world and negotiate better prices for our coffee.
The Expo is also a great opportunity for me to network with other coffee traders who are also social entrepreneurs. Because the Expo brought together coffee social entrepreneurs from around the world to share ideas, learn about new trends, and network with each other, it will create opportunities for social enterprises to connect with potential buyers and partners, and to raise awareness of their work. Moreover, the expo’s continuing influence would provide a platform for social enterprises to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. This could lead to increased sales and revenue for social enterprises, which could be used to support our social mission.