12 April 2023, SEOUL – Philippine Specialty Arabica, Fine Robusta, and Kapeng Barako (Liberica) Beans were the main stars at the Philippine Country Pavilion during the Coffee Expo Seoul 2023, Korea's Biggest Coffee Show in the first half of the year held at the COEX on 5-8 April 2023. Through the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippines was chosen by the Expo Organizers as the Guest Country for this year’s expo to attract the trendy Korean coffee consumers looking for new flavors and craft products. 

During the event, 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, Bukidnon and Davao. Also featured were complimentary products like coconut sugar, coconut creamers, hot chocolate, premium dark chocolate bars, and healthy fruit snacks. 

One unique cafe product launched in the country pavilion and attracted many Korean consumers is the flavorful, all-natural, and vegan drink freshly prepared using 100% pure Cacao tablea, all-natural Coconut sugar and easy-melt Coconut Creamer, all sourced and made in the Philippines. 

DTI likewise featured specialty “green coffee beans” which is becoming increasingly popular in Korea. 

Our delegates were overwhelmed by the feedback they received from a number of importers, distributors, retailers, cafe owners, and consumers who conveyed their strong interest in our coffee beans and other products featured at the Country Pavilion. 

In-demand products were fine robusta, coconut milk, coconut sugar, liberica beans, baked fruit chips, specialty chocolate bars, and single-origin Arabica. 

The Korean VIPs that visited the Philippine Pavilion included the presidents of COEX Mr. Lee Dong Ki, the Coffee Association of Korea Mr. Song Chang Yoon, and the Korea Coffee Roasters Association Mr. Hae Ryang Jung.

DTI Regional Directors Juliet Lucas and Flor Gabunales led the Philippine delegation. Philippines Ambassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega and DA Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban also visited the Ph pavilion and met with the delegates. 

In partnership with the organizers of the 2023 Coffee Expo, the Philippines also conducted a seminar during the event to introduce Philippine Coffee. 

The country's participation was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Export Marketing Bureau, Regional Operations Group and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul, in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the Philippine Agriculture Office-Korea. END