PH Coffee, Cacao, Tea Presented to Russian Industry Association

Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta (leftmost) presents various Philippine coffee, cacao and tea products to Russian Tea and Coffee Association (Rusteacoffee) President Ramaz Chantiriya (rightmost) and Rusteacoffee Manager Alexandra Zakharova (second from right).  With Ambassador Sorreta is Philippine Embassy in Moscow Third Secretary and Vice-Consul and Economic Section head Grace Perpetua (second from left). The product presentation was done on 24 July 2019 at Rusteacoffee’s offices in Moscow. (Embassy Photo by V. Cara)

MOSCOW 09 August 2019 — As part of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow’s economic diplomacy initiatives, Ambasssador to Russia Carlos D. Sorretta met with Russian Tea and Coffee Association (Rusteacoffee) representatives on 24 July 2019 and presented to its offices various brands of Philippine coffee, cacao and tea products.

Joining Ambassador Sorreta were Embassy Third Secretary and Vice-Consul and Economic Section head Grace Perpetua and Economic Officer Cara Vida.

The Embassy team made the product presentation to Rusteacoffee President Ramaz Chantiriya and Rusteacoffee Manager Alexandra Zakharova, during which it highlighted the outstanding qualities of Philippine coffee, cacao and tea as well as the excellent climactic conditions, rich history, and wealth of experience under which these products are grown and processed. 

“We had a very good discussion on the increasing demand in Russia for these products, particularly coffee and cacao and how we can work together to promote our brands in Russia,” Ambassador Sorreta said, adding “Russia imports almost all of its coffee and cacao needs and I believe our coffee and cacao will be able to find their place in the Russian market.”

Most of the those involved in the coffee, cacao and tea industry in Russia, from importers to blenders and packers, to brewers and retail outlets, are members of Rusteacoffee.

“We intend to engage Russia’s coffee, cacao and tea industry directly and by working with Ruscoffeetea.  We will continue to do business calls, hold our tasting events and join events organized by Rusteacoffee,” according to Ambassador Sorreta.

“We also hope to continue our partnership with our Philippine producers and their associations. We are very grateful to the producers who sent us samples of their products. We are putting them to good use,” he added.

As part of its promotion efforts, the Embassy hosted a Coffee, Cacao and Tea Tasting Reception on 18 July 2019, which featured these products not only as beverages but also as snack foods and alcoholic drinks. 

Rusteacoffee was established in 1999 and is engaged in promoting development of national tea-packing and coffee-processing industries and enhancing their investment appeal; assisting in developing international contacts; popularizing tea and coffee, enhancing their consumption in the Russian Federation, and improving product quality. The Association is a member of the International Tea Committee and Private Sector Advisory Council of the International Coffee Organization.

With the increased demand for cacao products, particularly as a beverage, and given how closely related these products are in terms of coffee and tea marketing, Rusteacoffee has extended its mandate to cover cacao products. END

Mr.  Chantiriya (left) thanking Ambassador Sorreta and reiterating his commitment to cooperate with Philipppines in promoting Philippine coffee, cacao and tea products in Russia after their meeting on 24 July 2019 at Rusteacoffee’s offices in Moscow. (Embassy Photo by V. Cara)

For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia