Hawaii Coffee Association officials in Kealakekua announce that the industry will celebrate Hawaiian coffee via educational, awareness and networking events at its 17th Annual Conference and Fourth Annual Cupping Competition July 19-21 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu, Maui.
Hawaii Coffee Association officials in Kealakekua announce that the industry will celebrate Hawaiian coffee via educational, awareness and networking events at its 17th Annual Conference and Fourth Annual Cupping Competition July 19-21 at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu, Maui.
In addition to hosting HCA’s annual meeting and elections, the event plays host to the fourth annual statewide cupping competition. This year cupping features more than 117 entries assembled from Hawaii’s diverse origins vying for the coveted “Grand Champion of Hawaiian Coffee” title in two categories: “commercial” and “creative.”
Top coffees from each growing origin will also be recognized. This signature event has become increasingly popular and has been responsible, in part, for a boost in overall quality in recent years.
Cupping panel leader Paul Thornton, of Coffee Bean International in Portland, Ore., observed, “Your industry has once again, captured the gist of what improved quality is all about. There are more, better coffees, than ever. Bravo to the HCA.”
Entries will be available for blind tasting and comments will be tendered from attendees. A new feature of the event will be a coffee store operated by the Maui Coffee Association, offering competitor entries for sale. Knowledge about how to properly sample and score coffee has become increasingly important to farmers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.
Consistent with the HCA’s educational mission, this year’s conference features a series of hands-on roasting, cupping and grower workshops; farm tours; updates on HCA’s legislative initiatives; grower’s reports from across the state and industry news from researchers and regulators.
Officials from the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Agriculture and USDA are teaming up to host a free and critically important workshop focusing on preventing and controlling the coffee berry borer. Howard Dicus will serve as keynote speaker and share his wit and wisdom.
Join HCA for gourmet meals, scenic farm tours, a silent auction and plenty of Hawaii’s premium coffees. This event is a must-do for networking, education and fun for stakeholders and those looking to learn more about Hawaii’s coffee and agricultural industries.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org.