Dumaguete’s Coffee Scene Booms with Plans for Expansion

DUMAGUETE – As Dumaguete celebrates Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Month this July, the local coffee industry is experiencing rapid growth, with many businesses looking to expand. This year’s Coffee Festival has drawn significant attention, highlighting the potential for further growth in the sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for DTI-Negros Oriental, the Coffee Festival saw a significant increase in participation with 21 coffee exhibitors compared to just four last year. The event runs from July 19 to 26 and is aimed at promoting local coffee businesses and fostering connections with potential clients. “The participation turnout this year is encouraging, considering that last year, only four coffee establishments joined the trade fair that was lumped with other businesses,” Bato said during the festival’s opening at a local mall.

Exhibitors range from coffee shops to coffee farmers’ associations, suppliers of coffee beans and equipment, and teams offering coffee training. Entrepreneurs like Ned Anthony Solis of Brewedways Coffee and Howard Wong of Coffee Collective shared their experiences and the challenges faced in the industry. Solis emphasized the benefits to local coffee farmers in Negros Oriental, while Wong noted the saturated market conditions and the need for more quality local beans.

The festival also features a competition for baristas scheduled on July 26, with industry experts set to judge the event. Despite the enthusiasm, Bato noted that not all coffee businesses are participating due to fees charged by the event organizers, Teamskills, in collaboration with DTI and Robinsons Place shopping mall.