10% Kona Blends vrs 100% Kona Coffee

10% Kona Blends vrs 100% Kona Coffee was Originally Posted on December 26, 2006 by lavarock

Residents here in Hawaii know the difference between Kona Blends and 100% Kona (at least I hope they do). Visitors do not.

A few days ago over 30 farmers and other interested people spoke to the Hawaii County Council in support of a bill which would have the Council recommend to the State of Hawaii that any coffee sold as a “Kona Blend” contain at least 75% Kona and tell which country the rest comes from.

It is interesting to note that 3 or 4 people who work for large processors spoke against the proposal. They make tremendous profits from blending 10% Kona and 90% other coffee and calling it a Blend and selling it for 1/3 the price of 100% Kona. The farmers contend that the public does not understand that the 90% is usually non-US coffee from 3rd world countries and thus are paying 3 times what the blend should cost, jut because it has Kona on the label. The testimony also showed that even Consumers reports, the national magazine, was fooled into thinking they were testing 100% Kona when it was really blends.

It is also interesting to note that the 30 or more of us were able to come up with thoughtful and insightful testimony, yet these blenders could not. The blenders have been fighting this fight with the farmers for decades, yet hemmed, hawed and pretty much spoke incoherently (my opinion).

One farmer felt so strongly that her voice cracked as she held back tears. Another farmer used wine as a demonstartion of blends in a very enjoyable and memorable display. My passionate speech came during the 1st half hour. It may be obvious that I had 4 minutes of text to get in the 3 minute time period

There can never be a meeting of the minds on blends and 100% Kona. The farmers mostly don’t mind blends being in the marketplace, as long as the public knows and understands what they are buying. The blenders feel there is a place for blends as an entry point for customers who want an inexpensive peice of Kona to take home. The debate brings up whether the public can taste and/or has value-added with 10% Kona or if there should be more in the package.

If I can get a written transcript, I’d be happy to post it. It was quite enlightening.

The County Council Meeting where the Resolution to ask State for 75% minimum in anything bearing the Kona name is being broadcast on locally here on Government Access TV.