Demand for RP coffee in world market on the rise

Foreign demand for locally-produced coffee is rising.

This was disclosed yesterday by Antonio R. Reyes, executive director of the International Coffee Organization Certifying Agency (ICOCA).

"An international trading company based in Canada has expressed interest in importing several local coffee varieties to the North American market," Reyes said.

Reyes said Rizal International Trade, an international trading company based in Canada which imports oriental products to the North American market, sent recently a coffee buying mission to the Philippines.

The coffee buying mission identified coffee varieties and products which can be imported for distribution to Canadian consumers and the rest of North America.

In Canada, coffee consumption increased for the fourth consecutive year in 2001, with its per capita consumption reached on average at 102 liters, up slightly from the level in 2000, but almost five percent higher than the 97 liters recorded in 1991.

Industry experts said Philippine coffee varieties have a competitive advantage over other coffee-producing countries because of its distinct taste.

The coffee buying mission conducted comprehensive consultations with local coffee growers to assess the quality of coffee grown in Amadeo, Cavite.

ICOCA facilitated the coffee buying mission together with Presidential Task Force on Coffee Rehabilitation.

The coffee delegation also had one-on-one meetings with three coffee suppliers, namely M&S Co., a grower of Arabica coffee variety in Sultan Kudarat; Siete Baracos Coffee and Negros Coffee Milling.