Hawaii Coffee Assoc. Hosts 29th Annual Conference, Trade Show and 15th Statewide Cupping Competition July 18-20 on Oahu Statewide Cupping Competition Entry Deadline Open Thru May 31
Hawaii Coffee Assoc. Hosts 29th Annual Conference, Trade Show
and 15th Statewide Cupping Competition July 18-20 on Oahu
Statewide Cupping Competition Entry Deadline Open Thru May 31
HAWAII—The statewide Hawaii Coffee Association (HCA) is perking with an action-packed conference offering a wealth of educational opportunities and competitions headlined by keynote speaker Dr. Nora Lapitan, deputy administrator of the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Lapitan, who leads the agencyʻs research on crop production and protection, will discuss “USDA Coffee Breeding and Climate Change Programs.”
The July 18-20 gathering is open to association members and the broader community at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu.
“This year we’re looking forward to an exciting lineup of presenters and workshops,” says HCA President Tom Greenwell. “As more challenges arise in our industry, leaders from across our university systems, private sectors and non-profits—both locally and internationally— will be coming together for a weekend of collaboration and conversations about the future of Hawaii coffee.”
Conference offerings include multiple breakout sessions providing interactive workshops on coffee fermentation, green coffee grading and how to make caffeinated cocktails.
In addition, HCA hosts its 15h annual Statewide Coffee Cupping Competition with winners announced July 19 at the conference. A sample tasting of the top scoring coffee will be available during the Friday Awards Dinner.
Competition coffees will be blindly cupped using the Specialty Coffee Association’s scoring system and protocol. Qualifying entries will be accepted through May 31 and Pacific Coffee Research in Kona is overseeing the competition.
Attendees will also enjoy a trade show, silent auction, tours and plenty of networking opportunities.
The conference opens Thursday, July 18 with registration followed by a cocktail reception. The Friday-Saturday speaker/activity lineup includes:
Friday, July 19
Breakfast
Trade Show Opens
Opening Remarks & HCA President Report
Government Affairs: Kimo Falconer
Keynote USDA-ARS Research for Sustainable Coffee Production: Nora Lapitan
Coffee Taster’s Wheel & How We Experience Flavor: Brit Horn, Pacific Coffee Research
Roasting 101 Theory: Mark Kove
Coffee Break in partnership with Café Collective
UH College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources: Dr. Parwinder Grewal
Transparency & Profitability Panel Discussion
SAS Cafedak Biostimulants: Nicholas Machado
Lunch
Coffee Cupping 100: Brit Horn, Pacific Coffee Research
Soil Organic Matter & Health with Hawaiian Earth Products: Ross Reyes
Intro Coffee Fermentation Techniques with Hands-On Methods & Tasting: Juli Burden, HARC
World Coffee Research: Rust Resistant Varieties
Brewers & Barista Competition Prep: Bethany and John Letoto
Announcement of Cupping Winners & Growers Panel Discussion
Caffeinated Cocktails: Make Them With/Without Alcohol: Jen Len RNDC Hawaii & Jammyland
Cocktail Reception
Dinner, Legislator of the Year Awards & Silent Auction
Saturday, July 20
Coffee Break in partnership with Café Collective
Trade Show Opens
Hawaii Coffee Talk Story
Water Chemistry & Equipment Care: Eric Musil, Pacific Coffee Research/Makani Kai Pacific
Cupping of CLR Resistant Varieties
Coffee Break in partnership with Café Collective
Biocontrol Techniques Using Wasps: Mark Wright
Economic Analysis of Coffee Leaf Rust Control: Insights from Grower’s Survey
Green Coffee Grading Workshop: Madeleine Longoria Garcia, Pacific Coffee Research
Lunch & Coffee
Board Meeting with Newly Elected Officers
Off-Site Tour: Whiskey, Wine Tasting, Coffee & Chocolate
Register for the conference at https://hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/event-5652011. Sponsorship and trade show exhibitor opportunities are available and silent auction donations are welcome.
Find the official rules and required entry form for the Cupping Competition at https://hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/event-5693662.
Mahalo to the 2024 Conference sponsors: Simplot, Gowan USA, Gearmore, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, Satake, Savor Brands, American AgCredi and Young Brothers.
“I am grateful to the conference planning committee and their hard work to make this possible,” adds Greenwell. “Be sure to check our schedule of activities at Hawaiicoffeeassoc.org and register as soon as possible.”
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 Hawaiian coffees. A major component of HCA’s work is the continuing education of members and consumers. Learn more about the HCA at http://www.hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/.
