THE newly-opened Ueshima Coffee Company (UCC) Clockwork at the Philippine National Bank Life Building on Lacson Street in Bacolod City is eyeing to help Negrense farmers by eventually sourcing raw materials locally.
Its franchisee Steve Choa, who is the president and managing director of ACC Top Food Ventures, said they are currently sourcing their coffee beans both internationally and locally.
Choa, who is from Bacolod City, said UCC Philippines is working with coffee farmers in the country but not in Negros Occidental.
“It is my dream to promote and support coffee growers in Mount Kanlaon,” he said, adding that there are many coffee plantations in the area but not yet included among those with known names and brands.
The businessman, who is a coffee enthusiast, said local cafés share the goal to eventually support and educate farmers in Negros Occidental when it comes to coffee production and processing so they can also scale up the quality of their products.
“It might be a long term goal as it takes years to develop the farms as well as other processes,” Choa added.
Opened last July 25, UCC Clockwork in Bacolod is the first branch in Western Visayas.
It is the third franchise of ACC Top Food Ventures next to Vertis North and Cliffhouse Tagaytay, and forms part of over 30 UCC branches in the country.
UCC is known for its distinct Japanese-style coffee-making that makes use of premium-quality beans.
Choa said Bacolod is a city that is known for having a discriminating taste when it comes to dining.
He said UCC is ready to satisfy the Bacolodnons’ cravings for good quality coffee and delicious food.
“I am very proud to bring in a coffee shop of this caliber and level here in Bacolod. I want to level up the quality and exposure of coffee in the city,” Choa said, adding that they want to boost third wave coffee which is still lacking in Bacolod City.
Aside from coffee, UCC Clockwork also offers a full menu that includes Filipino and Japanese inspired food options in its local coffee shops. It offers pastas, pastries, and main dishes prepared with the same care and quality as its coffee.
In a bid to also help boost the local culinary sector, the franchisee said the café and restaurant also considers to eventually introduce food and cuisines with Bacolod and Negros touch.
That could be another salient feature of our Bacolod branch compared to other UCC stores in the country, Choa said.
“In terms of market advantage, we offer an ambiance of homey and comfort along with the quality food and service,” he added.
Founded by Tadao Ueshima, the father of coffee in Japan, UCC was introduced in the Philippines by entrepreneur Hubert Young in 2000.
In a message delivered by UCC marketing manager Tet Bachmann, Young said “it is providential that UCC is now in Bacolod to bring to the City of Smiles our world renowned good coffee smile.”
UCC Clockwork in Bacolod City is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday.