The third edition of Iloilo Coffee Fest is set to brew excitement from July 17-20, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, Megaworld, Iloilo City. This premier coffee event, organized by the Iloilo Coffee Board and Iloilo Coffee Council in partnership with MAFBEX and Worldbex Services International, promises to be the largest celebration of Iloilo’s thriving coffee culture to date.
A Regional Coffee Powerhouse in the Making
Iloilo Coffee Fest 2025 represents a significant milestone in establishing Iloilo as a regional hub for coffee production and entrepreneurship. The four-day celebration is designed to bridge the gap between urban café culture and rural agricultural heritage, highlighting the complete coffee value chain from farm to cup.
This year’s festival marks a historic first as Iloilo hosts the inaugural ASEAN National Barista Championship for Visayas and Mindanao, cementing its position as a premier destination for international coffee competitions.
“Iloilo is fast becoming a regional hub for coffee production and entrepreneurship,” said Noi Dongor, President of Philippine Coffee Board and Iloilo Coffee Council. “This festival demonstrates our readiness to compete in international coffee competitions and our capacity to host these prestigious events.”
Strong Partnership Network
The event enjoys robust support from key stakeholders across government and industry, including the Iloilo Provincial Government, Iloilo City Government, Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo, Department of Agriculture Region 6, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo, and the Philippine Coffee Board.
As a featured pocket program of ILOILO TRIO 2025, a massive regional trade show hosted by Worldbex Services International, the coffee festival is positioned to reach unprecedented audiences. Last year’s ILOILO TRIO attracted over 15,800 visitors and 171 companies, with this year’s edition expected to break previous records.
Comprehensive Program Highlights
The festival’s carefully curated program spans four days of intensive activities:
July 17 – Opening Day / Istorya Kape Forum
The inaugural day features the Coffee Production Forum led by DA Region 6 and Iloilo Provincial Government, alongside sessions on fertilization innovations, business potential in coffee farming, and business matching opportunities facilitated by DTI Iloilo and PCCI Iloilo.
July 18 – Hampang Kape Competitions
Competition excitement begins with the Iloilo Latte Art Throwdown, sponsored by Allegro, Superhouse, and Alaska Pro, followed by the Iloilo Brewdown competition.
July 19 – Championship Competition
The festival hosts the prestigious ASEAN Barista Team Championship Visayas and Mindanao Leg, organized by PCBI, bringing together top regional talent.
July 20 – Learning & Skills Development
The final day focuses on education and skill-building with sessions on Milk Science by Alaska, Coffee Shop 101 by Iloilo Coffee Council, Café Marketing by Prometheus, and Specialty Coffee & Coffee Cupping workshops.
Economic Impact and Investment Opportunities
The festival aims to generate significant investment opportunities within the coffee value chain while fostering innovation and collaboration among stakeholders. By bringing together farmers, roasters, café owners, and allied sectors, the event creates a platform for knowledge exchange and business development.
“Supporting local coffee means supporting rural development and sustainable agriculture,” Dongor emphasized. “This festival highlights how collaboration between farmers, government, private sector, and cafés is key to industry growth.”
