The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), participated in Korea’s biggest coffee show, the Seoul Coffee Expo 2023, at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in Seoul from April 5-8, 2023.
Chosen by the COEX as the guest country for this year’s expo, the Philippines featured the country’s specialty beans to attract the trendy Korean coffee consumers looking for new flavors and craft products.
The country’s participation was organized by DTI through Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Seoul, Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Regional Operations Group (ROG), and in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Philippine Agriculture Office-Korea.
Leading the Philippine delegation were DTI Regional Directors Juliet Lucas of Cordilllera Administrative Region (CAR) and Flor Gabunales of Region 12. Likewise, Department of Agriculture (DA) Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban also visited the Philippine pavilion while on official visit in Korea.
Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa Dizon De Vega graced the opening of the Philippine pavilion together with COEX President Dong Ki Lee, Korea Coffee Association President Chang Yoon Song, and Coffee Roasters Association of Korea President Hae Ryang Jung.
“The Philippines’ participation as guest country at the Seoul Coffee Expo is an important platform to introduce the unique and diverse taste of Philippine coffee to the Korean market,” Ambassador de Vega said.
Expressing his enthusiasm on the featured liberica beans in the Philippine pavilion, Coffee Roasters Association of Korea President Hae Ryang Jung said, “I have been looking for this for a long time. I can’t wait to roast, brew and taste it.”
Guests at the country pavilion experienced the Philippines through the taste and aroma of coffees from different regions and provinces of the country, such as the Cordilleras, Batangas/Cavite, Bukidnon and Davao. Also featured were complimentary products like coconut sugar, coconut creamers, hot chocolate, premium dark chocolate bars, and healthy fruit snacks.Â
The unique vegan cafe drink launched in the country pavilion attracted many visitors. It is freshly prepared using 100% pure Cacao tablea, all-natural Coconut sugar and easy-melt Coconut Creamer which were all sourced and made in the Philippines.
Some of the Coffee brands that were promoted in the country pavilion included Project Beans Trading, Verra Coffee, Coffee for Peace, Kape Maramag, Hineleban Farms and Cafe de Lipa. In-demand products were fine robusta, coconut milk, coconut sugar, liberica beans, baked fruit chips, specialty chocolate bars, and single-origin Arabica.
Likewise, coconut-based products, dark chocolate, and snack brands like Quezon’s Best, Cocoplus, Hijo Superfoods, Theo and Pilo, MS3 Chocolate, Oh So Healthy Fruit Crisps, and Dona Maria Brown Rice Puffs were also featured and promoted.
