You might have come across some mentions of the Southeast Asia Green Coffee Competition on social media, but do you know why these competitions are so significant? They provide market linkages for coffee growers, giving them greater exposure to global markets. This competition, in particular, promotes Southeast Asia as a producer of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffees while fostering collaboration and development across the region.
A Strong Presence from the CQI Community
This year’s competition featured strong involvement from the CQI community, with seven CQI Instructors on the judging panel, supported by four Thai Q Graders. Coffees identified through national competitions held in countries including Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos were instrumental in selecting the best coffees from each country, with dozens of Q Graders and In-Country Partners (ICPs) involved in the process. The top selections from these national contests joined even more evaluated selections from Myanmar and the Philippines, going on to represent Southeast Asia in the main competition.
Global Expertise on the Judging Panel
The judging panel was made up of CQI Instructors from around the world:
- Ermanno Perotti (Italy - Q Processing Instructor)
- Mimi Sabado (Philippines - Q Processing Assistant Instructor)
- Sam Choi (Korea/Vietnam - Quality Evaluation Instructor)
- Shaun Ong (Singapore - QE Instructor-to-be)
- Anuwat Kobnampetch (Thailand - QE Instructor)
- Shao Yang (China - QE Instructor)
- Paul Kim (Korea - QE Instructor)
- Jerry Cabalce (Philippines – Part of the Working Group for SEA Green, Q Grader)
Coffee Selection Process
The Southeast Asia Green Coffee Competition showcases up to 10 Arabica and 10 Robusta coffees from each producing country, representing their best offerings. This year, coffees from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam were selected through national competitions, while samples from the Philippines and Indonesia were submitted by local partners. Moving forward, each country plans to conduct national competitions or, at a minimum, evaluate and select coffees through ICPs.
Award Ceremony
The top ten Arabica and Robusta coffees were announced and awarded. Winning producers in Thailand and Vietnam received scholarships for Q Arabica and Q Robusta Grader course scholarships. Additionally, Vietnam awarded Q Certificates to all coffees scoring 80 and above. These scholarships were generously sponsored by HQJ Coffee School for Vietnam’s winners, SOCOF for Thailand’s Q Arabica Grader courses, and Sam Choi for Thailand’s Q Robusta Grader courses.
Arabica Winners:
1. Coffee De Hmong Bio Farm – Thailand
2. Doi Tung Development Project Khrongkan Phatthana Doi Tung – Thailand
3. Ma Gor Lor Coffee – Thailand
4. Doi Tung Development Project Khrongkan Phatthana Doi Tung – Thailand
5. Java Halu Coffee – Indonesia
6. Rosemarie Rupecio – Philippines
7. 8Ro Coffee Farm / Dinh Tiěn Bão San – Vietnam
8. Bana’A Farm / Co So San Xuat Ca Phe Bana’A – Vietnam
9. Manolito Garces – Philippines
10. THY THY Farm / Cong Ty TNHH Ca Phe Sach Intenso - Vietnam
Robusta Top Winners:
1. Mujarin Ophasao – Thailand
2. Keskanok Suwansaya – Thailand
3. Kanchana Kliangklaw – Thailand
4. Ritthichai Onchu – Thailand
5. Cong Ty TNHH TM DV Song Linh – Vietnam
6. Chawasit Tengtrairat - Thailand
7. Roan Basco – Philippines
8. Khunnaphap Kaewphirom – Thailand
9. NGOC MORI FARM / Doan Quoc Viet – Vietnam
10. Wan Wisa Jordan – Thailand
In addition to the awards, an exciting new initiative was introduced: the SEA Green World Tour. This tour will feature sample kits of the winning coffees in cupping sessions worldwide, promoting the unique qualities and profiles of Southeast Asian coffees to a global audience.
Driving Quality and Excellence
The Southeast Asia Green Coffee Competition not only highlights the exceptional quality of coffees from this region but also provides opportunities for coffee growers to connect with international markets. This fosters growth and collaboration within Southeast Asia's coffee industry. CQI is proud to have such strong representation from our community at this event.
