At Intuit Coffee, we believe every cup tells a story. This time, we’re proud to spotlight one of the hands behind our newest release: Marieta Lidem, a coffee farmer from Ilocos Sur, whose beans made it to the prestigious Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC) 2025.
Her Fine Robusta, grown and naturally processed in Ilocos Sur, features a distinct flavor profile of arnibal sweetness, cardamom spice, and hazelnut. But beyond the cup, Marieta’s story is one of inheritance, hard work, and quiet pride.
Marieta didn’t start coffee farming by choice. The land she and her husband care for today was passed down from his father, making it part of a long-standing family legacy. “Hindi ko po alam kung paano simulan kase sa taniman namin ngayon, taniman noon ng tatay ng asawa ko na tatay ko na rin,” she says. “Na minana ng asawa ko, na siyang taniman namin hanggang ngayon.” Her husband has been growing coffee since 1996. While he leads the farming, Marieta is fully involved in sustaining their household and lifestyle. “Needs rin namin kasi ng kape eh,” she shares. “Parang di na kumpleto ang araw namin kapag di nakapag-kape. Minsan nga nagsisilbi rin itong ulam namin pero masarap pa rin.”
This year, their harvest stood out for its bold and slightly acidic character. Through natural processing and a roast crafted for filter brewing, the beans express a rich balance of sweetness and spice.
When asked what local food best goes with her coffee, Marieta recommends a humble classic: kamote.
“Para sa akin, bilang isang magsasaka, ang mare-rekumenda ko po na bagay na bagay sa kape ay kamote,” she says. “Dahil ang kamote, bukod sa masarap siya at sagana sa bitamina, malambot pa. Bagay itong i-pares sa kapaitan at init ng kape. Sarap!”
Like many smallholder farmers, Marieta faces unpredictable weather, pests, and limited access to post-harvest tools. These affect both yield and quality, making it harder to meet the rising demand for specialty beans. Additionally, she believes one major reason small farmers struggle is the lack of knowledge in proper processing. On top of that, climate change and plant diseases continue to affect their harvests.
Still, Marieta sees hope. More people are recognizing the value of local, high-quality coffee, and the farmers behind it.
“Kapag pinag-uusapan po ang ‘premium’ o ‘specialty’ coffee sa Pilipinas, unti-unti nang nagbabago ang pananaw tungkol sa mga local farmers,” she says. “Dahil sa tumataas na kalidad ng lokal na kape at mas mataas na presyo na naibebenta ito, nagkakaroon ng pagmamataas at kumpiyansa ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang produkto.”
This growing appreciation fuels not only pride but also encouragement for others to pursue specialty coffee. For Marieta, one of the biggest shifts in recent years has been partnering with roasters like Intuit Coffee. These collaborations connect farmers like her to bigger markets and improve distribution.
The Marieta Lidem PCQC 2025 bean is more than just a premium product. It represents decades of persistence, care, and belief in the future of local coffee.
When you choose this coffee, you support real people like Marieta. You help bridge the gap between hardworking Filipino farmers and thoughtful coffee drinkers and let more local stories be heard!