Sultan Kudarat might not be your first choice when talking about the top coffee spots in the Philippines. But this Mindanao province is quickly becoming one of the country's biggest coffee producers because of its high-quality beans, and exceptional growing output.
Now, the Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 is backing Sultan Kudarat’s push to be recognized as the de facto "Coffee Capital of the Philippines." A title that’s well within reach, thanks to the coffee farmers that are making sure their beans stand out in a crowded market.
Sultan Kudarat’s coffee industry isn’t just talk. During the 2024 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), farmers from the province unexpectedly took the spotlight for themselves. Rey John and Roan Basco, also known as "The Basco Brothers", claimed first and second place in the Robusta category, cementing the building legacy Sultan Kudarat is doing for its precious beans. Moreover, other local farmers from Sultan Kudarat also made it to the top ranks, proving that the province’s coffee can battle it out with the best.
And come out on top.
What Makes Sultan Kudarat’s Coffee Stand Out?
The secret lies in the perfect mix of high-altitude farms, volcanic soil, and a favorable climate. The rich soil and ideal weather create a great environment for coffee to thrive, giving Sultan Kudarat’s coffee its unique taste and quality. Municipalities like Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino, and Columbio are known for producing beans with distinct flavors and high caffeine content.
The province grows a variety of coffee beans, including Robusta, Arabica, Excelsa, and Liberica, each with its unique flavor profile.
In addition to its natural advantages, farmers in Sultan Kudarat are adopting modern farming practices and eco-friendly techniques, such as sustainable drying methods, to ensure high-quality production.
But does this feat warrant the province's recognition as the true 'Coffee Capital of the Philippines'?
Is Sultan Kudarat the True Coffee Capital?
While Sultan Kudarat is making a strong case to be the “Coffee Capital of the Philippines", Amadeo in Cavite also has strong claims to the title with its rich history with coffee and its cultural significance to the area. However, Sultan Kudarat is stepping up, already producing 35% of the country’s beans. This makes Sultan Kudarat the leading producer of coffee in quantity and quality.
Whether or not it receives the official title, however, Sultan Kudarat is already making a very deep mark in the Philippine coffee industry.
