Press Release
PR No. RAR-05-2025
PH Consulate General in Jeddah Holds 1st Philippine Coffee Public Cupping 2025 and Webinar on Philippine Coffee
Philippine Consul General in Jeddah Rommel A. Romato leads the sensory test through smelling and tasting of samples from each brew of Philippine coffee. (Jeddah PCG photos)
JEDDAH, 04 May 2025 — The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, in partnership with the Filipino Barista Association (FBA), successfully conducted the first Philippine Coffee Public Cupping in Saudi Arabia on 30 April 2025 at CaffeineLab HQ in Jeddah.
The activity aims to promote Philippine coffee in Saudi Arabia through coffee tasting and sampling of each brew of Philippine coffee beans. The event introduced Philippine coffee beans and varieties, in particular Philippine Barako coffee, to Saudi coffee entrepreneurs present during the activity.
In his welcome address, Philippine Consul General to Jeddah Rommel A. Romato invited the participants to not only enjoy the flavors of Philippine coffee but also to appreciate the hard work and passion of Filipino farmers.
“The Philippines may be known for many things, but our coffee heritage is something truly remarkable. From the highlands of Benguet and the mountains of Sagada, to the volcanic soils of Batangas and the lush farms of Bukidnon, our diverse regions produce coffee beans with unique flavors and aromas that reflect the richness of our land and culture,” he added.
During the public cupping proper, Consul General Romato led the sensory test through smelling and tasting of samples from each brew of Philippine coffee. He was followed by Saudi coffee entrepreneurs who also witnessed the preparation and different brewing methods of Philippine coffee.
Prior to the Philippine Coffee Public Cupping event, Post held a webinar titled “Philippine Coffee: Barako and Beyond – Exploring the Rich Flavors of Filipino Coffee” on 27 April 2025. The webinar provided a comprehensive presentation and discussion on the origins of Philippine coffee, its varieties and production, as well as its promotion to international markets and foreign consumers for its economic potential.
Resource speakers in the webinar included Commercial Attaché Vince Lorenzo T. Liwanag of PTIC-Riyadh; Mr. Robert Francisco, Technical Director of the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.; Mr. Alvin Causing, Founder and CEO of Project Beans Coffee; and Mr. Cris Anthony “Adam” Gaspar, President of the Filipino Barista Association in Jeddah. The webinar was attended by both local and Filipino entrepreneurs in Jeddah via the Zoom platform and was also streamed via Facebook Live.
The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah conducted both events in celebration of Filipino Food Month in Saudi Arabia. END
