7 Eleven recently turned over 270,000 pesos worth of equipment that local coffee growers in La Union can use for their coffee business to Mayor Romeo Salda of La Trinidad, La Union.
The fund raising campaign was done last 2017 in a span of 5 weeks with 7 Eleven donating part of the proceeds from coffee sales of 7-Eleven City Blends coffee.
7-Eleven local licensee, Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC) revealed the need to bring awareness about what is happening to the local coffee industry. Previously, the Philippines was part of the top coffee exporters of the world, but over the years, the industry experienced a decline causing the country to import coffee instead.
About 65,000 metric tons of coffee is consumed annually in the Philippines with only about 30,000 or less than half coming from locally sourced coffee.
“This campaign is a channel of God’s Blessing to us, farmers because we will be able to live as healthy, safe and productive people. We are grateful for FSCE for providing educational assistance and livelihood programs. We cannot do this alone and we need all the help we can get,” Carame added.
Partnering in getting the coffee industry back on it’s feet is a foundation that was organized last year and led by Henry & Sons, an established coffee company, to give aid to the coffee farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet and lead them to a flourishing business in the coffee industry.
“The foundation could really use the help of sponsors like 7-Eleven because the farmers will be able to receive post-harvest facilities to help them speed up production. They just need the right encouragement to lead them towards the revival of our local coffee farming,” Michael Harris Lim, Henry & Sons President and FSCE Director said.
“We aim to make a difference in the lives of our farmers and the communities they live in. We are very eager to work with our stakeholders so we can elevate the coffee industry and the lives of the Filipino farmers,” Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO of PSC said.
