MEDIA RELEASE

The 13th annual Kona Coffee Label & Website Competition awarded companies that market Kona coffee with top-notch packaging — whether it’s on the bag or on the Internet.

Hosted by Kamehameha Investment Corporation (KIC), the contest fosters “truth in labeling” and is a highlight of the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

(Photo courtesy of Kona Coffee Cultural Festival)

Winners of both contests earned ribbons and cash.

Taking first place among 29 entries in the label division was Pu’u Nani Farms of Kailua- Kona, followed by two second place winners: Makahiki Farms of Captain Cook and Wakefield & Sons of Kealakekua.

Placing third was Kona Rising Coffee Company of Kealakekua while the People’s Choice Award went to Ohana Harbor Coffee Company of Holualoa.

Piko 2 Piko of Kailua-Kona and Hualalai Harvest of Holualoa were tied for the Sponsors Award.

Copy and graphics with a strong identity to Kona coffee are the major criteria for judging labels. Educating the consumer as to what makes Kona Coffee so special is a plus while complying with state label laws.

The website contest is similarly judged but requires sites be dedicated to the promotion of Kona coffee only, with a strong emphasis on Kona. The order process must be simple and have a secure system.

Nearly 25 coffee companies entered the website division and Kuaiwi Farm of Captain Cook took first place; Halama Farms of Holualoa earned second place; and Buddha’s Cup of Holualoa and Konaloha Coffee Company of Eureka, Calif. were tied for
third place. Rancho Aloha of Holualoa was tapped with the Sponsors Award.

The winning websites can be found at www.kuaiwifarm.com, www.halamafarms.com, www.buddhascup.com, www.konaloha.com and www.ranchoaloha.com.

“Kamehameha Investment Corporation continues to support our hard-working coffee farmers who best market their product — and the coveted Kona brand — with effective and attractive labels and websites,” said Valery O’Brien, KIC marketing director.

Competing coffee labels and websites were displayed at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay during the recent Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

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