BANGKOK – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Green Invest Asia project, the Philippine Coffee Board, and International Women’s Coffee Alliance in the Philippines are organizing a one-day networking event in Manila at the Dusit Thani Hotel on August 29th for an expected 60 coffee producers, buyers, and capital providers to discuss how Southeast Asia’s coffee markets are adapting to, and capitalizing on, shifting preferences worldwide to sustainable coffee.

The percentage of the world’s coffee beans grown in Southeast Asia has steadily grown, now accounting for some 26 percent of global production. Asia’s top two producers, Vietnam and Indonesia, control almost two million hectares. Experts project a more than one million ton shortage in global coffee supply by 2030 due to fast-growing demand coupled with supply shocks from extreme weather.

Dave D’Haeze, Southeast Asia regional manager for the Hans Neumann Foundation, which works worldwide with smallholder coffee farmers, will share with participants about Vietnam’s coffee sustainability journey and challenges, drawing from his more than 10 years’ experience living and working in Vietnam. Sessions focus on the rise of premium coffee in Southeast Asia, best practices across the region, sustainable sourcing from the perspectives of buyers and roasters, and financing coffee businesses with an investor panel that includes Landbank of the Philippines, Rabo Foundation, Impact Investment Exchange, and Peace & Equity Foundation.

Other panelists include leadership from the Marriott, Nestlé, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, UCC Coffee, Philippine sustainable retailer ECHOstore, Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers, the global non-governmental organization Enveritas, and Philippine roaster Café Maleng-ag.

This event follows the recent publication of a study by USAID Green Invest Asia, in collaboration with International Women’s Coffee Alliance, on the role of women in Southeast Asia’s coffee value chain. At least 10 female-led producers have confirmed attendance. Businesses will have the opportunity to pitch directly to investors in small-group sessions. The event will also offer an opportunity to discuss how gender equity can bolster supply chain investments and lead to stronger, more resilient supply partners.

For producers, buyers, or capital providers interested in attending the session or who want to learn more, please contact Caterina Meloni from USAID Green Invest Asia at cmeloni@pactworld.org or Dana Juridico from the Philippine Coffee Board ddj.pcbi@gmail.com.

ABOUT USAID GREEN INVEST ASIA

USAID Green Invest Asia is pursuing climate-smart business solutions with agriculture and forestry companies in Southeast Asia with a demonstrated commitment to environmental and social stewardship. Qualified companies and financiers receive a mix of capital matchmaking, technical and business advisory, and/or transaction support. To learn more, please visit www.greeninvestasia.com.