Author: excelsacoffee

Co-founder of Excelsa Coffee Inc, in Nicaragua this past fall discussing the potential of Excelsa with coffee leaders in the region.

November 2023

In the heartlands of Nicaragua, where the rich, aromatic scent of coffee plantations dances through the air, a quiet revolution is brewing. A group of rural farmers, facing the challenges of changing climates affecting traditional crops, has set their sights on a resilient and flavorful alternative – Excelsa coffee. In their pursuit of excellence, these farmers are reaching out to none other than the Philippine Coffee Board for education, information, and seedlings to embark on their Excelsa coffee journey.

The Changing Climate and Coffee Challenges:

Over the years, the global coffee industry has faced numerous challenges, and climate change stands as a formidable adversary. The once-reliable arabica and robusta coffee varieties are experiencing declines in production due to shifting weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall. Coffee-producing regions around the world are grappling with these changes, threatening the livelihoods of farmers who depend on coffee cultivation.

Enter Excelsa coffee, a shining beacon amidst the challenges. This specialty coffee, native to the Philippines, has gained attention for its adaptability to diverse climates. Unlike its counterparts, Excelsa coffee boasts non-GMO, all-natural properties, making it a sustainable and climate-resistant option for farmers looking to secure their future in the coffee industry.

The Philippine Coffee Board: Guardians of Excelsa’s Legacy:

At the heart of the Excelsa coffee story lies the Philippines, a country with a rich history of coffee production spanning over three centuries. Philippine coffee producers have been perfecting the craft of growing, harvesting, and roasting Excelsa coffee for nearly 300 years. The Philippine Coffee Board, as the custodian of this legacy, stands as the leading authority on Excelsa coffee cultivation.

Excelsa coffee is not just a crop; it’s a gift from the Philippines to the world. Its unique flavor profile, naturally half-caff properties, and resistance to climate challenges make it a valuable asset in the global coffee market. As rural farmers in Nicaragua seek to diversify their crops and overcome the hurdles posed by climate change, Excelsa coffee presents itself as a promising solution.

Connecting Worlds: Excelsa Coffee Inc.’s Role:

Facilitating this cross-continental exchange is Excelsa Coffee Inc., a US-based company dedicated to elevating the Excelsa coffee bean globally. Recognizing the potential of Excelsa coffee as a game-changer in the industry, Excelsa Coffee Inc. has taken on the role of connecting farmers in need with the abundant resources and expertise present in the Philippines.

The partnership with the Philippine Coffee Board is not just about growing coffee; it’s about cultivating relationships, knowledge, and sustainability. Excelsa Coffee Inc. understands the importance of education in successful coffee cultivation. Through their collaboration with the Philippine Coffee Board, they are working to provide rural farmers with comprehensive educational programs, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills needed to nurture thriving Excelsa coffee plantations.

A Shared Vision for Success:

As rural farmers in Nicaragua embark on this Excelsa coffee journey, they are not merely seeking a new crop; they are forging connections with a rich legacy of expertise. The Philippines, with its centuries-old tradition of Excelsa coffee production, becomes a guiding light for these farmers. Learning from the leading experts in the field, Nicaraguan farmers hope to not only adopt Excelsa coffee cultivation but also to master the art and science that the Philippines has honed over generations.

Excelsa coffee is not just a coffee variety; it’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the agricultural communities that cultivate it. By embracing Excelsa, farmers in Nicaragua and beyond are not only securing their livelihoods but also becoming part of a global movement towards sustainable and climate-resistant coffee production.

The Economic and Cultural Impact:

Beyond the fields, the success of Excelsa coffee cultivation holds the promise of economic and cultural benefits for both Nicaragua and the Philippines. Excelsa Coffee Inc. envisions a powerful campaign that celebrates the history and people of the Philippines as the forefront of Excelsa coffee production. Aligning the Philippines with the biggest coffee story in a century becomes more than a marketing strategy; it becomes a celebration of shared traditions and a nod to the global significance of Philippine coffee.

As the journey unfolds, it is not just about growing coffee; it is about fostering a global community of coffee enthusiasts, farmers, and aficionados who appreciate the unique qualities of Excelsa coffee. The Philippines, through its expertise and generosity, becomes a mentor to the world, sharing the secrets of Excelsa coffee success with farmers who are eager to embrace this extraordinary crop.

In conclusion, the story of rural farmers reaching out to the Philippine Coffee Board for education, information, and seedlings to grow Excelsa coffee is more than an agricultural pursuit; it is a narrative of resilience, collaboration, and the shared love for a beverage that unites us all. As these farmers set forth on their Excelsa coffee journey, guided by the wisdom of the Philippine Coffee Board, they are not just cultivating a crop; they are sowing the seeds of a sustainable and vibrant future for the global coffee community.

On average, a coffee enthusiast in the UK is poised to indulge in almost 18,000 liters—or the equivalent of 62,000 mugfuls—of coffee throughout their lifetime, according to a survey of 2,000 coffee-consuming adults. The research reveals that individuals, on average, relish three cups of coffee daily, with 7 am being the favored time for their initial caffeine fix. A noteworthy 41 percent admit to struggling with optimal functionality until they’ve experienced their first jolt of caffeine. Surprisingly, 43 percent of respondents confess to sticking with the same coffee choice for over two decades.

In response to these findings, Breville, the sponsor of the study, has inaugurated the ‘Spill The Beans’ pop-up café, aimed at inspiring coffee enthusiasts to embrace more adventurous choices. The brand has also developed a coffee knowledge quiz to test the expertise of coffee aficionados. Iain Stuart-Crush, a spokesperson for Breville, remarked, “The study underscores the UK’s insatiable appetite for coffee. While it quickly becomes a daily ritual, many seem uncertain about optimizing their coffee experience at home. We aim to demonstrate that consumers can craft delectable, barista-quality coffee with our latest espresso machine innovation right in their kitchen.”

Among the coffee preferences identified, the most favored types include latte (21 percent), cappuccino (20 percent), americano (18 percent), and flat white (15 percent). However, a striking 74 percent confess to being unaware of the type of coffee bean used in their favorite brew. Although 80 percent are familiar with Arabica, lesser-known varieties like Robusta (33 percent), Liberica (9 percent), and Excelsa (8 percent) remain relatively obscure.

Intriguingly, the study, conducted by OnePoll, exposes that 51 percent lack clarity on the distinction between a cold brew and an iced coffee. Cold brew, made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12 hours, differs from iced coffee, which is regular coffee cooled down.

Promoting the idea of homebrewing, Ashley Palmer-Watts, founder of Artisan Coffee Co., shared insights at the ‘Spill The Beans’ Café, equipped with the new Breville Barista Signature Espresso Maker. He emphasized the importance of starting with a warm mug, proper tamping when using an espresso machine, and freezing coffee beans to preserve freshness and extend their shelf life. Palmer-Watts expressed his enthusiasm for helping coffee enthusiasts explore the diverse world of coffee choices, even from the comfort of their homes.

In the idyllic region of Isabela City, nestled within the enchanting landscapes of Basilan province, two remarkable individuals, Eugene Strong and Alvin Orbecido, are known for their unwavering commitment to preserving the Isabela City Forest Park. Their shared dedication to safeguarding this lush sanctuary has fostered a unique partnership between the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 9. Despite its location in Basilan, Isabela City stands apart from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and falls under Region IX, alongside the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The story of their encounter with Eugene Strong and Alvin Orbecido unfolded during a tree-planting event that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. They embarked on this endeavor with the goal of planting 13,000 coffee seedlings under the collaborative Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) and Isabela City.

Not even intermittent rains could deter their mission, as they made their way to the seedling nursery in Maligui, Isabela City. En route, they strolled beneath the shade of centennial trees and crossed a bridge overlooking a stream brimming with rainwater. Amidst the older mahogany trees, they discovered a treasure trove of endemic varieties, including the renowned Basilan yakan, now teetering on the brink of endangerment, as well as lauan (both red and white), narra, and prickly narra.

The nursery was a hive of activity, where Eugene Strong’s commitment was evident as he set his sights on nurturing up to 50,000 coffee seedlings by the following year, aligning with their ambitious goal of planting over 200,000 trees across the nation. The team at the nursery cultivated seedlings of ancient tree species, alongside robusta and excelsa coffee varieties.

What made the Forest Park even more unique was the composition of Mr. Alvin’s team – an all-female group of foresters. They painstakingly labeled the seedlings and had them record their names in a logbook as they planted their own “legacy” trees in the park. Alvin shared that male applicants often preferred positions elsewhere, opting to work outside the forest park, even though it was just a half-hour journey from the city center. The women foresters were fully immersed in their roles, tending to native tree seeds and guiding them through the nursery. It was heartening to witness the dedication of these female tree enthusiasts, many of whom were graduates of Western Mindanao State University, where Forestry appeared to be a popular course.

Their time spent beneath the forest canopy was a learning experience as they delved into the world of diverse species, including the balete or banyan tree. This iconic tree had gained notoriety due to tales of ghosts and other supernatural beings seeking refuge in its cool foliage. However, Eugene Strong was quick to dispel these myths, suggesting that the balete may have been unfairly maligned during the American occupation. The tree’s dense foliage created a naturally cool environment, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius for those beneath its canopy. This made it a popular gathering spot for the local community. Suspicion regarding these gatherings gave rise to stories of supernatural sightings, particularly the “white ladies” in balete trees, which frightened the townsfolk and curtailed these misunderstood gatherings. This legend even spread to Manila, where Balete Drive in Quezon City became notorious for purported sightings of strange white figures by motorists. Eugene Strong’s explanation offers a more plausible account of the balete tree’s history, potentially redeeming it from its undeserved notoriety.

Eugene and Alvin generously shared a variety of seedlings with them, a gesture they hoped to take across the seas. However, they had to be cautious about the Bureau of Quarantine’s restrictions on moving these species to other regions, as they carried the potential for biological security threats. As a result, they entrusted these seedlings to Princess Kumala of Sulu for safekeeping. This, however, didn’t deter them from collecting narra seeds from their tree planting sites during the day. These sites included private properties owned by Lee Roy Brown and Mr. Blue Ututalum in Panunsulan, as well as another area in Sta. Barbara that brought together Basilan’s young leaders to lead the reforestation initiative.

These landowners subsequently formed the Isabela City Coffee Growers Association, and they had the privilege of inaugurating them as officers of the newly established coffee group.

One may wonder: Why Basilan? In a previous article published in April (their first visit to Basilan), they highlighted Isabela City’s deliberate choice to prioritize coffee cultivation over rubber production. The region’s elevations provided an ideal environment for coffee growth and a source of sustenance for its residents. In contrast, rubber, now facing competition from synthetic alternatives, only yields latex, the raw material for tires and condoms, without offering food. The local leaders of Isabela City decided to rejuvenate their coffee industry, simultaneously championing the cause of reforestation and rewilding by planting shade trees.

The success of these reforestation efforts largely hinges on the presence of a robust supply chain for planting materials, and Isabela City has it covered. The city’s leaders maintain a close collaboration with national agencies like the DENR and have preserved the Forest Park as a nursery for seedlings, ensuring a readily available source of planting material for anyone interested.

Eugene Strong and Alvin Orbecido embody a profound commitment to the environment and a dedication to the cause of reforestation. Their tireless efforts, in tandem with their team of skilled female foresters, are instrumental in protecting Isabela City’s natural heritage and advancing the cause of sustainable forestry. Together, they serve as the dedicated guardians of Isabela City’s Forest Park, leaving a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and inspiring others to join the cause of preserving our planet’s natural wonders.

Vietnam is one of the world’s leading coffee exporters, and the industry plays an important role in the country’s economy. However, the coffee export sector is facing some challenges this year, including a decline in output and a slowdown in the volume of exports.

According to a recent article in Vietnam News, coffee output is predicted to decline by 10-15% this year due to weather conditions. This is a significant decrease, as Vietnam produced 1.76 million tons of coffee in the 2022-2023 crop year.

Despite the decline in output, demand for Vietnamese coffee is expected to remain high. The average coffee export price has increased by 29.6% from September 2022 to September 2023. This is due to a number of factors, including the global economic recovery and the increasing popularity of coffee in emerging markets.

The slowdown in the volume of coffee exports is a concern for the Vietnamese government, which has set an export target of $4.2 billion for this year. However, it is still possible to reach this target, given the high coffee prices.

In order to meet the export target, the Vietnamese government is taking a number of measures to support the coffee industry. These measures include providing financial assistance to coffee farmers, investing in research and development, and promoting Vietnamese coffee in foreign markets.

The Vietnamese coffee industry is also facing some long-term challenges, such as climate change and labor shortages. However, the government and the industry are working together to address these challenges and ensure the continued success of the Vietnamese coffee sector.

Opportunities for the Vietnamese coffee industry

Despite the challenges facing the Vietnamese coffee industry, there are also a number of opportunities for growth. One opportunity is the growing demand for coffee in emerging markets. Coffee consumption is increasing in countries such as China, India, and Indonesia, and Vietnamese coffee is well-positioned to meet this demand.

Another opportunity for the Vietnamese coffee industry is the growing popularity of specialty coffee. Specialty coffee is coffee, like excelsa coffee beans, that are produced using high-quality beans and sustainable methods. Vietnamese coffee producers are increasingly focusing on producing specialty coffee, which can command higher prices in the global market.

The Vietnamese coffee industry can also benefit from increasing investment in research and development. This investment can lead to the development of new coffee varieties and production methods that can help to increase output and improve quality.

Conclusion

The Vietnamese coffee industry is facing some challenges this year, but there are also a number of opportunities for growth. The government and the industry are working together to address the challenges and ensure the continued success of the Vietnamese coffee sector.

Additional information

In addition to the information provided above, here are some other interesting facts about the Vietnamese coffee industry:

• Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter, after Brazil.
• Coffee is grown in over 60 provinces in Vietnam, but the Central Highlands region is the main coffee-producing area.
• The most popular coffee varieties grown in Vietnam are Robusta and Arabica.
• Vietnamese coffee is exported to over 100 countries around the world.
• The Vietnamese coffee industry employs over 2 million people.

The future of the Vietnamese coffee industry

The future of the Vietnamese coffee industry looks bright. The global demand for coffee is expected to continue to grow, and Vietnam is well-positioned to meet this demand. The Vietnamese government and the industry are investing in research and development, and they are promoting Vietnamese coffee in foreign markets.

However, the Vietnamese coffee industry also faces some challenges, such as climate change and labor shortages. The industry will need to address these challenges in order to maintain its growth and competitiveness.

Coffee cultivation faces various challenges, including climate change, pests, diseases, and soil degradation. To combat these issues, horticulturists are turning to grafting, a technique that combines the strengths of different Coffea species. This article explores the grafting of Coffea Eugenioides onto Coffea Excelsa rootstock, a promising approach to improve coffee plants’ drought tolerance and overall resilience.

Coffea Excelsa stands out with its deep and robust root system, boasting a higher root-to-shoot ratio than Arabica and Robusta. This characteristic allows Excelsa to access water and nutrients from deeper in the soil, making it more drought-resistant and resilient against pests and diseases. Both Coffea Eugenioides and Coffea Excelsa being diploid (2n=22) species further make them compatible for successful grafting.

The decision to graft Eugenioides onto Excelsa is driven by Eugenioides’ relatively higher drought tolerance compared to Arabica and Robusta. The Excelsa rootstock is expected to bolster Eugenioides’ ability to withstand challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, this grafting project aims to collect valuable data, as more than 120 Coffea species remain relatively unexplored in comparison to extensively researched Arabica and Robusta.

The Grafting Process: Grafting is a straightforward technique that unites two plant parts, the rootstock and the scion. First, healthy rootstock and scion materials are carefully selected. The rootstock should be slightly taller than the scion. Next, both the rootstock and scion are cut at a 45-degree angle and then joined together, ensuring the cut surfaces align. Grafting tape or rubber bands hold them together, and the graft union is protected with grafting wax or paint to shield it from the elements.

The grafted plant is placed in a warm, humid environment, maintaining moisture without over-saturation. Grafting success depends on factors like the health of the materials, the grafter’s skill, and environmental conditions. Generally, coffee grafting enjoys a high success rate. In the case of Coffea Eugenioides on Coffea Excelsa, the success rate is notably high due to their close relation and similar growth habits.

By mixing and matching rootstock and scion, coffee growers can create plants that are not only more drought-tolerant but also resistant to diseases and more productive, offering a potential solution to the challenges posed by climate change in the coffee industry.

A Fascinating Discovery: An interesting side note reveals that India has its own variety of Eugenioides, known as SLN11, a tetraploid hybrid of Eugenioides and possibly Liberica, aptly dubbed “Ligenioides.” This coffee variety is small in bean size and exhibits excellent qualities as a low-intervention, pest, disease, and drought-resistant coffee. The image included in the article showcases a SLN11 sapling grafted onto an Excelsa rootstock, highlighting the potential of this unique graft.

References:

• A.P. Davis, C. Kiwuka, A. Faruk, J. Mulumba, J. Kalema (2023) A review of the indigenous coffee resources of Uganda and their potential for coffee sector sustainability and development
• R. Meyers, A. Kawabata, A. Cho, S.T. Nakamoto (2020) “Grafted Coffee Increases Yield and Survivability”
• M. Mishra, A. Slater Recent Advances in the Genetic Transformation of Coffee
• Ligenioides: Coffee Selection 11, Santa Ram Link