Timeline of Filipino Coffee History & Teofilo Coffee's Role in Reviving the Legacy
1740s: Introduction of Coffee to the Philippines
Spanish colonist introduce coffee to the Philippines, specifically in Batangas. The Philippines becomes one of the first countries to grow coffee commercially in Asia, with Bataganas as a significant production hub.
1800s: Coffee Boom
1800s: Barako coffee (a Liberica variety) becomes highly popular in Batangas. In the 1880s, the Philippines becomes the fourth largest coffee producer in the world. Exports reach Europe and the Untied States.
1890s: Coffee Rust Devastation
From 1890-1900s; a coffee rust outbreak, combined with insect infestations, nearly wipes out the Philippine coffee industry, particularly affecting the areas of Batangas and Cavite. Brazil and other countries take over as major coffee exporters.
1900s-1960s: Decline of Coffee Production
The Philippine coffee industry struggles to recover, with production volumes dropping significantly. The government and local farmers shift to other crops, but small farms continue to cultivate coffee for local consumption.
1970s: Coffee Revival Attempt
The Marcos government attempts to revive the coffee industry by establishing cooperatives and expanding production beyond Batangas into other regions like Benguet and Mindanao.
1980s: Entry into the International Coffee Organization
The Philippines becomes a member of the International Coffee Organization, gaining access to international markets and setting the stage for small-scale revitalization efforts.
2000s: Specialty Coffee Movement
Early 2000s: Global trends in specialty coffee inspire small producers to focus on quality, flavor profiles, and direct trade relationships with coffee roasters abroad. Coffee from regions like Benguet, Sagada, and Mount Apo gains recognition in niche markets.
2017: The Conversation that Sparked Teofilo Coffee
In 2017, Ron had a conversation with his mom about the rich history of Filipino coffee. This moment ignited his passion for bringing Filipino coffee to the global stage. He started researching and planned a trip to the Philippines for 2018 to visit suppliers and explore trade opportunities.
2018: Establishing Teofilo Coffee Company
By 2018, Teofilo Coffee Company was officially founded. Ron traveled to the Philippines to meet with coffee suppliers, starting the foundation of the business with a focus on importing high-quality Filipino coffee.
2019: Farmers Markets, Catering, and Brick-and-Mortar
In 2019, Ron began working with farmers from Orange County, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, focusing on establishing a presence through catering and pop-up events. 2019 also marked the signing of the lease for Teofilo Coffee Company's first brick-and-mortar location, a major milestone in expanding the company beyond pop-ups and into a permanent shop.
March 2020: Soft Opening Amidst the Pandemic
March 2020: Teofilo Coffee Company had a soft opening just a week after the pandemic started, despite the challenges that arose. The company persevered and built a local community around its brick-and-mortar shop.
2021: Growth in the U.S. Market
Teofilo Coffee continues its growth by expanding its product offerings and establishing a foothold in the U.S. coffee market through local partnerships and retail outlets.
2023: Partnership with Dynamico
In 2023, Ron partnered with Dynamico to build a concept for a cafe and co-working space, merging Filipino coffee culture with modern workspace needs. This collaboration marks another step in expanding the impact of Teofilo Coffee in the U.S.
2024: Founding of Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc.
Although Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc. had long been a part of Teofilo Coffee’s operations, it was officially established as a separate entity in 2024 to handle import, export, and the distribution of all four coffee species (Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica). This distinction was made to better manage the functions and responsibilities of both companies. Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc. ensures the availability of Filipino coffee in the U.S. and strengthens the connection between farmers and global consumers.
2022-2024: Expansion and Collaborations
Teofilo Coffee and Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc. continue to collaborate with key organizations such as PITC (Philippines International Trade Commission), the Philippine Coffee Board, DTI Los Angeles, and DTI San Francisco to bring Filipino coffee to international markets and advocate for the farmers back home.
2024 and Beyond: Creating an Ecosystem for Farmers
Teofilo Coffee aims to open new cafes in U.S. cities like San Francisco and Long Beach while working toward a sustainable ecosystem for Filipino farmers. The future vision includes a Phase 2 project to create a farmer-driven ecosystem in the Philippines, with plans to cultivate coffee in U.S. regions like Napa and Temecula.
