Pineapple Projects Limited successfully hosted its inaugural event, LOCAL LEGENDS: Navigating the Coffee Crisis, bringing together key figures from the Philippine coffee industry for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion. Held on February 21, 2025, at The Villa Studios, Corner House, San Juan, the event provided a vital platform for café owners, roasters, and coffee professionals to explore pressing industry challenges and solutions.
Featured Panelists
The event featured three esteemed panelists:
- Thomas Sproten, Coffee Culture Roastery
- Gio Visitacion, Good Cup Coffee
- Kayo Cosio, Luzon Coffee Company
Moderated by Andre Chanco, Co-Founder of Pineapple Projects Limited, the discussion delved into sustainability, market trends, and pricing challenges, offering actionable insights to help coffee entrepreneurs navigate an evolving industry.
“With rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer habits, adaptability is more crucial than ever,” said Andre Chanco. “This event was a step toward fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our community, and we’re grateful for the overwhelming participation and support.”
Key Insights from the Speakers
🔹 Thomas Sproten shared his approach to building long-term relationships with local farmers, emphasizing how direct engagement leads to more sustainable and ethical sourcing. He also discussed his involvement in bridging the gap between coffee and adjacent industries, particularly through the Slow Food Movement, which promotes quality food production and fair trade practices.
🔹 Gio Visitacion highlighted the importance of education in today’s coffee industry, advocating for knowledge-sharing among consumers, industry professionals, and the broader sector. He also spoke about the potential of Filipino coffee, citing his experiences working with farms in Bukidnon, where he sees great promise in the country’s coffee-growing future.
🔹 Kayo Cosio championed the spirit of experimentation and innovation, sharing how trying new approaches has shaped his journey in the industry. He introduced the new business model of Luzon Coffee Company, which integrates architecture and coffee culture in a unique way. With his vast experience in competitions and the coffee industry at large, Kayo also candidly discussed what hasn’t worked and how he continues to engage audiences through events at Honeycomb Manila, fostering a dynamic and evolving coffee community.
Event Takeaways
Attendees gained valuable insights into:
✔️ Strategies for managing fluctuating coffee prices for local coffee businesses and roasters
✔️ Sustainable sourcing and production practices for coffee roasters
✔️ Consumer trends shaping the future of Philippine coffee
✔️ The role of education, experimentation, and community-building in shaping the industry’s future
The discussion also underscored the importance of community-driven solutions, reinforcing the need for collective action to sustain and grow the local coffee industry.
Looking Ahead
The event was co-presented by Eighty Plus Philippines, Oatside, and Nobo, whose support helped bring this crucial conversation to life.
Following the success of its debut event, Pineapple Projects Limited is committed to fostering collaboration, education, and innovation within the hospitality and F&B industries. Future events and workshops are already in the pipeline, aiming to provide further opportunities for industry professionals to connect and grow.
