As its number of trees dwindles, the coffee variety Benguet Arabica has been included in an international food listing meant to protect “endangered” and nearly extinct products. The coffee variety made its way to Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, a program that raises awareness about small-scale food productions and then urges people to protect them by either consuming them or helping their producers.
“We’re happy to find new markets for coffee just like for the Barako. With Benguet Arabica being listed in the Ark of Taste, international advocates will surely want to taste this,” said Pacita Juan, chairperson of the Philippine Coffee Board.
