Teofilo’s Role in Reviving the Legacy

1800s: Barako coffee (a Liberica variety) becomes highly popular in Batangas. In the 1880s, the Philippines becomes the fourth largest coffee producer in the world. Exports reach Europe and the Untied States. 

The Philippine coffee industry struggles to recover, with production volumes dropping significantly. The government and local farmers shift to other crops, but small farms continue to cultivate coffee for local consumption.

The Philippines becomes a member of the International Coffee Organization, gaining access to international markets and setting the stage for small-scale revitalization efforts.

In 2017, Ron had a conversation with his mom about the rich history of Filipino coffee. This moment ignited his passion for bringing Filipino coffee to the global stage. He started researching and planned a trip to the Philippines for 2018 to visit suppliers and explore trade opportunities.

In 2019, Ron began working with farmers from Orange County, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, focusing on establishing a presence through catering and pop-up events. 2019 also marked the signing of the lease for Teofilo Coffee Company’s first brick-and-mortar location, a major milestone in expanding the company beyond pop-ups and into a permanent shop.

Teofilo Coffee continues its growth by expanding its product offerings and establishing a foothold in the U.S. coffee market through local partnerships and retail outlets.

Although Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc. had long been a part of Teofilo Coffee’s operations, it was officially established as a separate entity in 2024 to handle import, export, and the distribution of all four coffee species (Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica). This distinction was made to better manage the functions and responsibilities of both companies. Filipino Coffee Manufacturing Inc. ensures the availability of Filipino coffee in the U.S. and strengthens the connection between farmers and global consumers.

Teofilo Coffee aims to open new cafes in U.S. cities like San Francisco and Long Beach while working toward a sustainable ecosystem for Filipino farmers. The future vision includes a Phase 2 project to create a farmer-driven ecosystem in the Philippines, with plans to cultivate coffee in U.S. regions like Napa and Temecula.