MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) will celebrate Hawaiian coffee and educate members, farmers and industry professionals at its 15th annual conference July 15-17 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.

This year’s event features the second annual statewide cupping competition wherein premium coffees collected from all of Hawaii’s diverse origins vie for the honor of being placed among the finest coffees produced in the U.S., and indeed the world.

Entries will be blind judged by an independent panel of expert coffee ‘cuppers’ with honors awarded in the ‘Best of Origin’ and ‘Best of Hawaii’ categories.

In addition to the annual statewide cupping competition and consistent with the HCA’s technical cupping theme, this year’s conference will feature a hands-on coffee cupping workshop designed to educate members and visitors about coffee cupping: the elements of nuance that include flavor, aroma, ‘mouth-feel’, acidity, sweetness and aftertaste.

Knowledge will be shared about how to properly sample and score coffee has become increasingly important to farmers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers in an ever more competitive international marketplace.

Of course it’s not all work and no play – the conference features an industry trade show kicked off by keynote speaker Lt. Gov. and Hawaii gubernatorial candidate Duke Aiona, business commentator Howard Dicus, gourmet meals, scenic farm tours, a silent auction, and plenty of Hawaii’s premium coffees-some of the finest coffee produced anywhere on the planet.

A schedule of events and registration information are available on the website or by calling Steve Collector at 808-323-3131.

The Hawaii Coffee Association’s mission is to represent all sectors of the Hawaii coffee industry, including growers, millers, wholesalers, roasters and retailers. The HCA’s primary objective is to increase awareness and consumption of all Hawaiian coffees. A major component of the HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers.

— Find out more:
Hawaii Coffee Association: www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.com