It has been recorded that 80% of the Filipinos drink 2 cups of coffees per day making the Philippines as one of the most exciting coffee consuming markets in Asia.
Growing coffee requires a delicate balance of temperature, water, sun, shade, nutrients and soil quality to thrive, it is imperative to explore sustainable coffee-growing practices to continue serving the growing local and global demand of coffee.
In the heart of Cebu City, a coffee company is making waves for its exceptional brews, beans, and unwavering commitment to social responsibility. This year’s Socially Responsible Entrepreneur award goes to Giorgio Visitacion, President of Good Cup Coffee, a beacon of transformation in the local coffee industry. The company not only supports and uplifts coffee farmers across the Philippines through specialized training programs with local farmers, but also enriches consumer knowledge with engaging workshops at its Coffee Academy. Good Cup Coffee further solidifies its impact by supplying high-quality coffee to local food establishments, setting new standards for excellence and community empowerment.
Gio’s journey started in 2017 with a single, transformative sip that sparked a passion for coffee, leading him to study under the Specialty Coffee Association in Singapore. Fueled by this newfound passion, Gio founded Good Cup Coffee in 2018, building it as a haven for specialty coffee lovers. Gio’s dedication goes beyond brewing excellent coffee—he is deeply committed to empowering others. When a tragic incident in 2019 happened, Gio was confronted with the difficult choice of either closing or rebuilding. Choosing the latter, he led Good Cup’s revival with determination and resilience, transforming grief into purpose. This dedication to quality and innovation has since earned Good Cup numerous awards, including national barista championships and international recognition as the World’s 10th best barista in 2024 during the World Barista Championship in May 2024.
Today, the coffee founder divides his time between Manila and Cebu. While bulk of their volume is shipped and delivered to Manila, their coffee beans are proudly roasted in Cebu.
Good Cup is more than just a brand; it is a mission-driven organization that uplifts communities. From their Farmer’s Table events where farmers present their beans to café guests to impactful collaborations with local farms in Bukidnon and Mount Apo, Gio is committed to bringing Philippine coffee to international waves. His initiatives include training local farmers, enhancing post-harvest techniques that have significantly boosted coffee quality—raising the selling price to sometimes double or triple than the market price helping elevate farmers’ livelihoods. Additionally, he has facilitated resources such as donations of drying facilities for the Milalittra Cooperative, further empowering these tribal communities. With Good Cup’s close collaboration to multiple coffee farmers, it has also helped and guided the Garces family in Bukidnon allowing them to win the Philippines’ Best Coffee Award in 2023 with their coffee being auctioned globally at USD 100 / per kilogram making it the country’s most expensive auctioned coffee.
These efforts contribute to a thriving coffee ecosystem, bridging the gap between farmers, roasters, baristas, and consumers—creating a feedback loop that is sustainable and community-driven.
Under Gio’s leadership, Good Cup Coffee has expanded from a local café to an e-commerce business and now, a nationwide coffee bean supplier, serving hundreds of establishments and thousands of home consumers. With plans to open their new café and academy in Manila in 2025, Gio envisions Good Cup as a hub for coffee education, quality, and sustainability.
Giorgio Vistacion is awarded the Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year Award In recognition of his outstanding work that acknowledges his company’s dedication to ethical and sustainable practices, their commitment to supporting local farmers, and their efforts to create a positive social impact through coffee.
Good Cup Coffee’s success is a testament to the power of combining passion, purpose, and social responsibility. By brewing delicious coffee while uplifting the lives of those who make it possible, Good Cup Coffee sets an inspiring example for businesses everywhere.
