Here’s what we learned at the PICKUP COFFEE pop-up lab

Premium espresso made with 100 per cent Arabica beans, freshly ground per order and pulled on demand

or most people, the first thing that comes to mind as they start their day is coffee. The scent of freshly roasted beans spurs an awakening, which for early risers and coffee connoisseurs alike, feels irresistibly inviting. 

Established in 2022, PICKUP COFFEE has rapidly become a significant player in the local coffee scene, popping up here and there, all around the country. With over 250 branches nationwide, they’ve undoubtedly struck a chord with coffee lovers, offering delicious and surprisingly affordable espresso-based beverages. But what exactly makes a cup of PICKUP COFFEE? While at Whitespace Manila, the brand revealed its secrets at the highly anticipated PICKUP Pop-up Lab. Here’s a recap of what we learned during this exciting event.

A freshly pulled shot of premium espresso from PICKUP COFFEE
Sofia Andres enjoys her iced PICKUP COFFEE

One of the key takeaways from the experiential pop-up was the brand’s commitment to quality. Every cup of PICKUP COFFEE is guaranteed to be made with 100 per cent Arabica beans. The dedication to premium ingredients and taking no shortcuts in the preparation process is what makes PICKUP COFFEE beverages surprisingly affordable. The team emphasised that each cup is freshly made per order by their baristas, using freshly ground beans and expertly pulled espresso shots.

Crowd favourites like the kape kastila (Spanish latte), white mocha latte, and caramel macchiato were served to delight guests at the event. The strong and bold taste of their espresso perfectly complements their concoctions, creating an uplifting experience each time. The kape kastila, which is their own take on the well-loved and ever-so-popular Spanish latte, has leche condensada and milk for added sweetness, and it’s simply rich and delightful. The white mocha latte with its creamy milk blend is flavoursome yet well-balanced. Their rendition of the classic caramel macchiato is strong but has a perfect amount of sweetness for those looking for a delightful treat.

Serving freshly-made and on-demand

The most surprising discovery that was unravelled at the PICKUP Pop-up Lab was that its premium espresso-based beverages start at PHP50. This aligns with the brand’s mission to make high-quality coffee accessible to everyone. “It’s always been our goal to create premium beverages priced accessibly, and we will continue to do so because here at PICKUP COFFEE, it is our mission to provide everyone with fast, delicious, high quality, and surprisingly affordable beverages, everywhere—one PICKUP at a time,” said Matteo Gancayco, the brand’s Philippine marketing head.

Matteo Gancayco from PICKUP COFFEE

From their beans to their freshly-made on-demand approach, PICKUP COFFEE continues to set the standard for delicious drinks that don’t break the bank. As they continue to expand, one thing is clear; this outstanding concept of a grab-and-go coffee shop is here to stay, uplifting everyone one PICKUP at a time.