Filipino Coffee Delivers Daily Inspiration to Starbucks Customers

Bold. Earthy. Smooth. Similar to a typical Filipino, Kape Vinta celebrates the blend of coffee and culture.

Launched in 1998, Starbucks Kape Vinta has continued to deliver daily inspiration to Filipinos.  A bold combination of Philippine and Indonesian coffees, it is meant to capture the essence of the shared passion for great coffee between Starbucks and the Filipinos.

The blend is smooth and strong while leaving a syrupy feel in the mouth with a lingering hint of spiciness at the end.  And although the beans are grown in Mindanao, they are brought to and roasted in Seattle.

As soon as you sip the warmth of Kape Vinta, one is immediately reminded of the mountains of Mindanao and the earthiness of the Bukidnon soil.  Specifically in Miarayon region, the community of the tribal minorities is located in the southeastern section of Malaybalay in Bukidnon.  There is a lack of roads, electricity and running water.  There is also limited access to public transportation.  Miarayon’s 5,000 families are of ethnic origins and are heavily dependent on their land’s produce.

One of their main livelihood programs is growing coffee.   Part of the initiative of Rustan Coffee Corporation (RCOC), the official licensee of Starbucks Coffee International, is its commitment to sustainable development in coffee origin countries. 

“With Kape Vinta, we are also helping train our local farmers grow quality coffee and meet the standards of quality set by Starbucks International.”

To further highlight the Filipino look, the coffee stamp was designed by the highly acclaimed Mauro “Malang” Santos.  Like its unique characteristics, it showcased the Vinta of the Mindanao region, where the coffee is grown.  Likewise, the boldness of the coffee reflects the colors of the Philippine flag: red, blue and yellow.  Mellow and earthy, Starbucks Kape Vinta is a true showcase of the Filipino artistry, culture and heritage.

“We can do so many things with Kape Vinta and contribute positively to the communities by donating proceeds to benefit our very own Filipino coffee,” says Lopez.  

Kape Vinta is available in 250g flavorlock packs in all Starbucks outlets in the Philippines.

The Rustan Group of Companies signed in 1997 an exclusive licensing agreement to develop a Starbucks retail business in the Philippines through Rustan Coffee Corporation (RCOC).  The first store was opened in December of the same year at 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati. Since then, 129 Starbucks Coffee stores have opened nationwide.

“Our company has continued to deliver the Starbucks experience through Kape Vinta – inspiring Filipinos one cup at a time.”

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