Product Offerings
Products:
Coffee Beans: Kahawa Sūg (Sulu Robusta)
Sulu Coffee Marketing Cooperative is an agricultural cooperative based in Patikul, Sulu, dedicated to reviving and promoting the heritage coffee of the Sulu archipelago—Kahawa Sūg. With a mission rooted in peace-building, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation, the cooperative unites Tausug farmers to sustainably grow, process, and distribute world-class robusta coffee.
Core Business
The cooperative aggregates, processes, and markets locally grown robusta coffee beans under unified branding, leveraging the identity and history of Sulu’s native coffee. By organizing farmers and providing market access, the cooperative ensures quality consistency, fair trade, and greater economic inclusion in the Bangsamoro region.
Product & Service Offerings
Coffee Beans
- Kahawa Sūg (Sulu Robusta) – Known for its strong body, earthy notes, and low acidity
- Wild Civet Coffee – Naturally processed, foraged beans from wild civet droppings
Ground and Roasted Coffee
- Café de Sug – Premium ground coffee, hand-roasted in Sulu
- Bud Tumantang’s Coffee – Single-origin roast from highland farms
- Dennis Coffee Garden Products – Commercially distributed blends in Mindanao
Specialisation and Core USP
Sulu Coffee’s strength lies in its integration of tradition and quality. Its key unique selling points include:
- Indigenous varietal: Kahawa Sūg is one of the oldest native robusta strains in the Philippines
- Peace-driven production: The cooperative supports ex-combatants and former conflict areas
- Sustainable wild-harvesting: For its civet coffee line
- Cultural significance: The coffee has been a staple in Tausug rituals and hospitality
Financials
While the cooperative operates as a non-profit entity, it has achieved notable economic milestones:
- Membership base: Over 500 farming families
- Annual production: Approximately 10–12 metric tons of green and roasted beans
- Retail presence: Local groceries, tourist outlets, and online platforms
- Bulk buyers: Coffee retailers and regional cafés in Zamboanga, Davao, and Metro Manila
Shipments and Export Data
With support from NGOs and government partners, Sulu Coffee has entered export pathways:
- Pilot exports to Japan and the US: via fair trade networks and social enterprise partners
- Estimated exports: 1.5 metric tons (2022), projected 2.5 MT for 2024
- Export formats: Green beans and medium roast, vacuum-sealed packs
Target Market
- Specialty coffee roasters
- Social enterprise retailers
- Ethical sourcing platforms
- Coffee aficionados seeking heritage varieties
- Cafés and chains seeking story-driven products
Capabilities
- Community-based collection centers
- Manual and semi-automated roasting equipment
- On-site training for farmers on drying and fermentation
- Quality control through partnership with NGOs and agricultural institutions
Certifications and Compliance
- DA-accredited processing
- Participates in programs under Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap
- Affiliated with Mindanao Coffee Board
- Supported by USAID, Peace and Equity Foundation, and DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program
Customer Testimonials
“Kahawa Sūg is one of the most flavorful and culturally rich coffee beans we’ve ever sourced. It’s a story and a flavor in every cup.”
– T. Ramos, Specialty Roaster, Manila
“Knowing that our coffee purchases help sustain peace in the region makes every sip meaningful.”
– Erin C., Café Owner, New York
Major Achievements
- Highlighted in UNDP Philippines as a model of conflict-sensitive enterprise
- Featured in Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines, and ANC’s Green Living
- Participated in Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC)
- Hosts cultural and coffee farm tours under Kahawa Sūg Heritage Trail
- Expanded its supply chain to service orders of up to 2 tons per cycle
Sulu Coffee Marketing Cooperative exemplifies how heritage, sustainability, and peacebuilding can blend into a single cup. Its journey from isolated highlands to international cups speaks volumes of the transformative power of inclusive enterprise rooted in cultural pride and resilience.