The number of coffee shops in Zamboanga City is increasing to satisfy the city's caffeine cravings, which is also a boon to the local coffee bean growers.

Date from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Zamboanga City Office showed there were 104 coffee shops registered in 2023. Also, the city and its surrounding areas have 185 coffee growers or farmers.

The growing number of coffee shops have become the go-to destinations for residents and tourists alike, and these establishments offer a diverse array of coffee concoctions, from classic brews to innovative blends.

One of the coffee shop owners, Jake and Leah, said that they started their business only last year out of their passion and love for coffee. 

“We thought, why not open our own simple café and put up our own preferences in a café,” Jake said. 

The young couple own and operate ‘95street co. Café+bar located along MCLL Highway in the city.

Now, their love for coffee has turned into a business and a place for both locals and tourists to appreciate locally-produced coffee. 

However, beyond serving delicious cups of coffee, many of these coffee shops are actively engaged in initiatives to support local coffee bean growers in Zamboanga City. Through partnerships with the DTI, these businesses are helping to create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both growers and consumers.

Also, DTI made moves to strengthen the competitiveness of the local coffee industry by providing technical assistance, training, and access to market opportunities. Through the program, coffee growers in Zamboanga City  receive valuable support in enhancing their farming practices, improving the quality of their coffee beans, and accessing new markets both locally and internationally.

DTI Zamboanga City Provincial Director Grace Aduca also encouraged more young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. 

“If you have the chance to start a business, go for it, because you can also help grow local employment opportunities,” she said.