09 March 2015 – Philippine Consul General in Vancouver Neil Ferrer met on March 04 with Mr. Mark West, President of Blenz coffee, one of the leading coffee shop chains in British Columbia, Canada.

Established in 1992 when its first coffee shop was opened in Vancouver, Blenz advertises itself as a “proud Canadian coffee company” which has grown to over 60 locations across British Columbia, Japan and the Philippines.

Under a franchise arrangement, Blenz coffee has so far opened four stores in Metro Manila, Philippines - three in Makati and one in Mandaluyong.

All four stores are doing well, according to Mr. West, who traveled to the Philippines late last year on a business trip. He said Filipino coffee drinkers are growing in number and appreciate the benefits of patronizing fine coffee products like Blenz’s.

At the meeting, Consul General Ferrer encouraged Mr. West to consider sourcing some of Blenz’s raw materials from the Philippines, noting that the country has been producing a number of specialty coffee varieties that are in growing demand overseas.

Consul General Ferrer also invited Mr. West to try out other notable Philippine export products like virgin coconut oil and alternative tea products such as mangosteen-, moringa- and ginger-flavored teas.

Mr. West said that Blenz will soon launch its Look Organic Tea stores, which will offer bulk sales to consumers.

Mr. West likewise expressed interest in visiting the Philippines, possibly as part of the next Winter Escapade Tour delegation. END