At least 21 local coffee businesses have committed to participate in the Hanging Coffee project where a customer pays for two orders but gives the other one for free, to anyone who needs a drink.
Maribel Sumanoy, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) focal person for the coffee industry in Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency July 22 that Café Estacion is the first establishment to give free cups.
“Soon after the commitment signing last Friday, Café Estacion immediately put up a sign board for the Hanging Coffee project where one person orders one coffee but pays for two,” Sumanoy said.
“This project is patterned after similar endeavors overseas where a little kindness goes a long way by giving free coffee to those who cannot afford it, or those who need it,” she added.
The project was launched during the opening ceremony of the Dumaguete Coffee Festival Y2 at a mall July 19.
Sumanoy said the strategy not only promotes solidarity but also helps rake in more sales for coffee businesses.
The other supporting shops are Brewedways Coffee, Black and Copper (Mountain Origins), Coffee Collective, Cafe Mystika, 85°Artisan Café, Holy Cup, The Cabin Blend, Brewing Site, Cafe Trimo, Overdose Café, Kava, Skyespresso, Caffeine Co, Kapeng Local and Baslay Highland Brew.
Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson, earlier said that from four participants during last year’s exhibit, more coffee entrepreneurs are taking part in the “coffee only” festival, from July 19 to 26.
Most of them hope to expand their markets and rake in more sales, Bato said during the festival opening. “Those taking part in this year’s festival have seen its benefits, such as the promotion of their businesses and connecting with potential clients for a wider market while increasing their sales.”
The exhibitors include coffee shops, coffee farmers’ associations, suppliers of coffee beans, equipment, and milk, and a team that offers coffee training.
A festival competition of baristas is set on July 26, with notable personalities in the coffee industry coming over as judges, Bato added. ||
