Jamaican F&B Training Center Named Finalist in 2026 SCA Sustainability Awards

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The Jamaican F&B Training Center (USAID) has been named one of six global finalists in the 2026 Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Sustainability Awards, under the non-profit category. It stands as the sole Filipino coffee institution to earn a nomination this year.

The prestigious awards, organized annually by the SCA, honor organizations that demonstrate excellence in sustainability across the coffee industry. Finalists are recognized for their innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact throughout the coffee value chain.

“This remarkable achievement shines not only on our institution but also brings immense pride to the entire coffee community across the Philippines and beyond. It is a testament to the passion, resilience, and collective vision that drives our nation’s coffee sector forward,” said Rey Sumania, Training Director and President of Jamaican F&B Training Center.

Sumania emphasized that the center’s mission has always been to unlock the potential of individuals who dream of building a life in the coffee industry. Over the years, the institution has partnered with government and non-government organizations, including TESDA, DTI, DA, DOST, Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), and ACDI-VOCA/MinPact. Together, they have advanced programs covering sustainable farming, quality control, ethical business management, and leadership development.

Through these initiatives, the center is nurturing a new generation of coffee professionals who understand that profitability and planet care must go hand in hand.

The SCA highlighted that this year’s finalists were chosen for their purpose-driven approaches, strong community engagement, effective decision-making, and commitment to equitable value distribution in the coffee sector.

2026 Finalists

For-Profit Category: Fazenda Califórnia, Amavida Coffee & Trading Company, Coffee Circle, Paramount Coffee, Collab Coffee – Co-Roasting®, SMC Specialty Coffees, Mai Shayi Coffee Roasters Ltd.

Non-Profit Category: Jamaican F&B Training Center-USAID, Smithsonian Bird Friendly, TechnoServe, Slow Food Coffee Coalition, The Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity, Bean Voyage.

Winners will be announced in the coming weeks via SCA channels and formally recognized at World of Coffee San Diego in April 2026.

“This recognition is not just ours. It belongs to every farmer who has embraced new techniques, every student who has pursued their passion, and every partner who has believed in our vision,” Sumania added. 

“Together, we are writing a new chapter for Philippine coffee, one that balances tradition with innovation and ensures a thriving future for all those who touch this precious crop.”

Founded in 2003, the Jamaican F&B Training Center is a TESDA-accredited institution in Cagayan de Oro City, Northern Mindanao, specializing in barista, bartending, and food & beverage service training. It has earned multiple distinctions, including the 2022 Golden Globe Award and a USAID nomination for Best Barista School.

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