Tagum City – The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as the biggest gathering of coffee shop owners in Davao del Norte kicked off today at Gaisano Mall Tagum, marking the grand opening of the Davao del Norte Coffee Festival. The two-day celebration coincides with the province’s MSME Week, blending passion for coffee with local enterprise development.
The festival, spearheaded by the Tagum Coffee Association in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte through the Rapid Growth Project, is more than just a coffee expo — it’s a celebration of craft, community, and collaboration. From seed to cup, the event brought together coffee farmers, wholesalers, distributors, baristas, food and beverage professionals, and coffee lovers, all united under one mission: to elevate the province’s growing coffee industry.
Brewing the Best of Davao del Norte
Among the stars of the festival were local coffee brands that have won the hearts of many Tagumenyos. Notable mentions include:
- Monte D’ Oro Coffee Farm – known for its single-origin Arabica grown in the highlands of Talaingod, offering a balanced cup with floral notes and a hint of chocolate.
- Kape Tagumpay – a homegrown brand that has championed robusta beans from Kapalong, praised for its bold and earthy flavor profile.
- Klasik Kape ni Lola – a crowd favorite that showcased heirloom brewing methods, drawing nostalgic cheers with every cup.
Attendees didn’t just get to taste — they got to witness the art and science of coffee making through engaging competitions and workshops. The Latte Art and Brewing Competitions were a hit, with skilled baristas turning simple cups into masterpieces, while enthusiasts cheered in admiration.
More Than a Festival
Beyond the brews and beans, the festival served as a knowledge hub. A Financial Forum educated MSMEs on scaling up their businesses, while Barista Classes introduced the next generation of coffee experts to industry-grade techniques. Meanwhile, a Coffee Farming Seminar emphasized sustainable and quality-focused cultivation practices — a critical topic as the region eyes a stronger presence in the national coffee market.
A Local Flavor Worth Sharing
With the festival’s warm reception and participation from both business and community sectors, it’s clear that Davao del Norte is fast becoming a coffee destination. The blend of local flavors, creativity, and collaboration proves that Tagum’s coffee isn’t just for waking you up — it’s for bringing people together.
So if you’re in town, Tagumenyos, tara kape! Let the aroma lead you to what might just be your new favorite brew.
For updates on the Coffee Festival and other MSME Week activities, follow the official pages of Tagum Coffee Association and DTI Davao del Norte.