Rota Blue Coffee Brews New Opportunities with UCC Japan
Rota's coffee story is gaining international attention. Coffee was first cultivated on Rota during the Japanese administration of the Northern Marianas in the early 20th century, when the island was home to a thriving plantation. Decades after World War II, surviving coffee trees discovered on the slopes of Mt. Sabana sparked an effort to revive this forgotten chapter of Rota's history and transform it into a new opportunity for the future. That vision has been made possible through the dedication of longtime CNMI friend and Honorary Tourism Ambassador Kiyokazu Onishi, whose love for the islands spans more than three decades, and Rota's David Calvo, whose leadership has been instrumental in locating, cultivating, and managing the coffee plantation. The project has also benefited from the expertise and partnership of UCC Japan. The development of Rota Blue Coffee has the potential to establish a premium local product while creating new opportunities for agriculture, tourism, economic growth, and stronger ties between the CNMI and Japan. It is exciting to see this remarkable story continue to unfold, and I look forward to the day I can enjoy a cup of Rota Blue Coffee.
