Benguet Arabica and Laguna Liberica Win Big at Global Coffee Event

Benguet Arabica and Laguna Liberica coffees brought pride to the Philippines, capturing top honors at the Global Coffee Championship held in Kintex, Korea. Competing against over 30 skilled baristas, these Philippine-grown beans impressed the panel of 12 international coffee experts in a blind tasting format.

Michael Harris Conlin, the 2019 Philippine Barista Champion, represented Benguet Arabica and secured the Bronze in the Brewer Competition. Reflecting on his experience, Conlin shared his love for coffee competitions, stating, “I enjoy the pressure and pushing my skills to the limit; this is one of the best ways to bring the best out of myself and grow as a coffee professional.”

Sta. Maria, Laguna’s Liberica coffee also made waves, winning Silver in the Signature Coffee Award: Latte category. These accolades not only recognize the dedication of Filipino coffee growers and baristas but also put Philippine coffee on the global map as a unique, competitive choice in specialty coffee.

This success highlights the quality of Philippine coffee and reinforces the growing appreciation of its complex flavors and skilled cultivation. The Global Coffee Championship serves as a platform for the country’s coffee industry to shine, strengthening its presence among top coffee-producing regions and contributing to the Philippines' reputation in the international coffee scene.