Mt. Apo Coffee Flavor Profile Mapping Debuts in Davao

 

To spotlight the unique flavor profiles of Arabica and Robusta coffees cultivated in the Mt. Apo highlands, the inaugural Mt. Apo Coffee Flavor Profile Mapping (MACFPM) was held on August 30, 2025, at the Brokenshire Hotel Resort and Convention Center in Davao City.

The landmark event gathered over 100 coffee professionals from across the Philippines, alongside international participants from Thailand, Taiwan, and Singapore. Their collective goal: to chart the sensory characteristics of coffees grown within the Mt. Apo Natural Park.

A total of 65 coffee samples—comprising 52 Arabica, 12 Robusta, and 1 Excelsa—were sourced from farms in Davao City, Bansalan, Digos, Sta. Cruz, Makilala, and Kidapawan City. 

These samples underwent public cupping using the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Standards Cupping Methodology, with geo-tagging employed to ensure traceability and highlight the regional identity of each coffee origin.

The cupping was led by licensed Q Graders and trained sensory professionals, many of whom were screened during the Cuppers' Training and Screening held earlier on August 3 in Davao City. 

The resulting flavor profiles will serve as a scientific and cultural reference for marketing, branding, and promoting Mt. Apo coffee in both domestic and international markets.

During the Culmination Dinner at Grand Men Seng Hotel later that evening, initial mapping results were unveiled, sponsors and partners were honored, and the collaborative spirit of the Philippine coffee community was celebrated.

This pioneering initiative was made possible through the Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas (SPADe) project—a joint effort of the Philippine Government, funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The event was co-led by the Specialty Coffee Depot and the Filipino Coffee Institute.

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