KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL ADDS NEW KONA COFFEE BARISTA WORKSHOP

KONA COFFEE COUNTRY, HAWAII (August 2007) –A brand new barista training workshop joins the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival event line-up on Thursday, November 8, from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Hale Halawai. During this informative workshop, participants will learn the intricacies of how to taste and prepare espresso and to make popular specialty drinks using Kona coffee.

Andrew Hetzel, of Hawaii-based Cafemakers, will lead the workshop. “Kona is already widely recognized as a leading world origin for fine coffee and we continue that tradition in the modern marketplace of cappuccinos and cafÈ lattes,” explained Hetzel.

Experienced instructors will work one-on-one with individuals at every level--beginner to professional. From beginners learning the basics to experienced baristas looking to polish their skills, the training course is designed for food and beverage professionals who wish to perfect their espresso making skills. The Kona Coffee Barista Workshop is proudly sponsored by the Kona Coffee Pacific Farmers Cooperative.

Cost of the workshop is $195 and includes workshop materials, lunch, refreshments and of course Kona coffee! Class size is limited to 20 registrants. For registration and more information please contact 808-328-2411.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized and supported as a ‘Major Festival’ by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) as the Festival showcases Hawaii’s unique culture and diversity. HTA was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage the growth of Hawaii’s visitor industry in a manner consistent with its economic goal, cultural values, preservation of natural resources and community interests.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by UCC Ueshima Coffee Company Ltd, Gevalia Kaffe, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Sunra Coffee, Kona Joe Coffee, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture and numerous corporate and community donors.

The 37th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 179-year coffee tradition from November 2 - 11, 2007. Enjoy nearly 50 Festival events including contests, tastings, ethnic foods, two parades, a scholarship pageant, farm tours, art exhibits, an outdoor concert and more! There is something for everyone at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For events, image requests and information for this year’s Kona Coffee Cultural Festival please visit www.konacoffeefest.com or contact Jeannette Vidgen at 808-326-7820.

KONA COFFEE PICKING CONTEST

KONA COFFEE COUNTRY, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (JULY 2007) – Kona coffee is carefully hand-picked to ensure each coffee cherry is ripe and ready for the perfect cup of Kona. Seasoned and first time participants as well as spectators are encouraged to join in the fun and festivities at the Kona Coffee Picking Contest on Sunday, November 4, 2007 as part of the 37th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

Ueshima Coffee UCC Hawaii Corp. is the sponsor for the Kona Coffee Picking Contest. Their sponsorship awards cash prizes to winners placing in the competitive divisions. Eight separate prize divisions have been established to accommodate coffee pickers at every skill level: Competitors are grouped into divisions by age. The Pioneer Division is open to competitors 69 years and older. Senior Division is open to ages 59-68 while the Masters Men and Masters Women divisions are open to ages 18 to 58. Children are divided are as follows: Pee Wee 0-4 years old. Akachan 5-7 years old. Keiki Division for children ages 8-12. Junior Boys and Junior Girls ages 13-17. Adult first-time pickers are welcome to enter the Amateur-Novice Division.

Ueshima Coffee Farm is located in historic Holualoa. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and competition begins promptly at 8:30 am. The outdoor event wouldn_t be complete without local entertainment and beverages including Kona coffee.

Picking Notes
Kona's first coffee trees reached up to 30 feet and were difficult to pick by hand. To collect the red coffee cherry, farmers used a hook-shaped coffee branch called a ‘kagi’ with a rope tied to one end to pull down the tall limbs, giving both hands access to pick the cherry.

Today most coffee trees are pruned to seven or eight feet making picking manageable, however the ‘kagi’ tool is still part of the necessary picking gear.

Traditionally, Kona coffee pickers used locally made woven lauhala (pandanus) baskets that held about 25 pounds of coffee cherry.

Kona coffee doesn’t ripen all at once on the tree, it happens over several rounds. In Kona, picking coffee four to eight times in any season is common.
Want to pick Kona coffee?

Coffee picking 101: Use fingertips to loosen only the red cherries. Start at the trunk and work out to the end of each branch. Let your eyes look ahead for the red coloring, being careful to choose only the bright, red hues. Move around the coffee tree, starting from the top to the bottom. Position the basket right under the coffee tree branch.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized and supported as a ‘Major Festival’ by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) as the Festival showcases Hawaii’s unique culture and diversity. HTA was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage the growth of Hawaii’s visitor industry in a manner consistent with its economic goal, cultural values, preservation of natural resources and community interests.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by UCC Ueshima Coffee Company Ltd, Gevalia Kaffe, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Sunra Coffee, Kona Joe Coffee, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture and numerous corporate and community donors.

The 37th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 179-year coffee tradition from November 2 - 11, 2007. Enjoy nearly 50 Festival events including contests, tastings, ethnic foods, two parades, a scholarship pageant, farm tours, art exhibits, an outdoor concert and more! There is something for everyone at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For Kona Coffee Picking Contest information or digital images, contact Jeannette Vidgen at Current Events, 808-326-7820 or go to www.konacoffeefest.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

37 TH ANNUAL KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL PERKS UP - NOVEMBER 2-11, 2007

KONA COFFEE COUNTRY, HAWAII 'S BIG ISLAND (May 2007) - Join in the community celebration of Kona's gourmet brew at the 37 th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival "Kona Coffee Tradition of Excellence" November 2 -11, 2007. This ten-day festival is filled with nearly 50 community events to pay honor to the multi-ethnic heritage of Kona coffee pioneers and their world famous gourmet brew.

The award-winning Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized as the oldest and most successful product festival in Hawaii and is the only coffee festival in the United States . The annual Kona coffee harvest, is one of the Big Island 's most economically successful crops, and is celebrated every November. Today many Kona farmers can lay claim to being fifth generation coffee farmers. Coffee is an economic mainstay of Kona where farmers continue the tradition and honor their heritage with every harvest.

Throughout the Festival, visitors and residents find interesting events at various locations along the Kona Coffee Belt. At the annual Cupping Competition, similar to a wine-tasting, festival-goers view judges at work selecting the very best Kona coffee and sample the coffee themselves, while learning from tasting experts how to critique a high-quality brew. An art show will feature a selection of paintings depicting views of the Kona coffee lifestyle, and a recipe contest will give student and professional chefs the opportunity to enter their most robust creations using world-famous Kona coffee.

Visitors can take tours of working and historical Kona coffee farms, mills and roasting operations. Free coffee workshops help share insight into growing, roasting and brewing Kona coffee. Visitors can watch or enter a Kona coffee picking contest, attend the Miss Kona Coffee Pageant, or shop at a farmer's market for their favorite Kona estate roast and other Kona coffee infused products.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized and supported as a 'Major Festival' by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) as the Festival showcases Hawaii 's unique culture and diversity. HTA was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage the growth of Hawaii's visitor industry in a manner consistent with its economic goal, cultural values, preservation of natural resources and community interests.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by UCC Ueshima Coffee Company Ltd, Gevalia Kaffe, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Sunra Coffee, Kona Joe Coffee, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture and numerous corporate and community donors.

The 37th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 179-year coffee tradition from November 2 - 11, 2007. Enjoy nearly 50 Festival events including contests, tastings, ethnic foods, two parades, a scholarship pageant, farm tours, art exhibits, an outdoor concert and more! There is something for everyone at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For events, image requests and information for this year's Kona Coffee Cultural Festival please visit www.konacoffeefest.com or contact Jeannette Vidgen at 808-326-7820.

HTA Announces 2007 Major Festivals (PDF)

Link to announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEARL ESTATE ORGANICS WINS 2006 GEVALIA KONA COFFEE CUPPING COMPETITION

KONA, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND ­ Pat Pearlman, owner of Pearl Estate Organics, took first place at the 2006 Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition held at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Pearl Estate Organics is located on almost two acres in Honaunau at the 1,900-foot elevation. Pearl Estate Organics is certified organic by the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association and has been in operation for twelve years.

"I¹m thrilled to win this award. I had a bigger harvest earlier this year. I think that meant that I had a chance for my coffee to age a bit before entering the competition," expressed Pat Pearlman owner Pearl Estate Organics.

Sherri Johns, President, WholeCup Coffee Consulting LLC commented, "We cupped so many excellent Kona coffees today, the average was pretty incredible. The overall quality was excellent. The side-by-side cupping was exciting for me. The coffees can be described as showing subtle differences and diversity. My favorite in the tasting today could be described as almost like a dry vermouth."

Second place was awarded to Pau Hana Estate located in Captain Cook, owned by Carol Weaver and Sandy Masterson. Third place was awarded to Kona Cafe located in Honaunau, owned Allan Frank and Kathy Sweetser.

Over seventy Kona coffee farmers submitted entries into this year's Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition. The blind-taste competition, held Wednesday and Thursday, was sponsored by Gevalia Kaffe.  Fifteen entries advanced to
today's final round.

Judges included Gevalia¹s Master Taster and Panel Chairman, Willy Pettersson, Shunta Baba from Japan¹s UCC Ueshima Coffee Company, Ltd., world-renown coffee expert John King with Harold L. King & Company and
Sherri Johns, President, WholeCup Coffee Consulting LLC.

Each coffee farm submitted a 50-pound sample from which five pounds were actually entered into the cupping competition. To be eligible, the coffee submitted must have been harvested in Kona. The Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is a blind tasting. Once the entry is accepted, it is simply assigned a number to protect its anonymity. These numbers are changed midway into the cupping, between the preliminary and final rounds, to keep the judges' palates alert throughout the competition.

The coffee samples, both green and roasted, are placed on a long table for the judges to independently evaluate. The judges look for high marks in these six categories: fragrance, aroma, taste, nose, aftertaste and body.

Gevalia Kaffe is built on a tradition of fine craftsmanship encompassing 150 years. Gevalia carries more than 40 exquisite varieties of coffees and teas ranging from distinctive varietals, European and limited edition blends as well as seasonal flavors. Gevalia¹s wide selection suits the personal tastes, mood and desires of even the world¹s most discriminating coffee-lovers. Gevalia is not sold retail and is available in the U.S. exclusively at www.gevalia.com or through 1-800-GEVALIA.

The Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is a signature event of the 36th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by Ueshima Coffee UCC Hawaii Corp., Gevalia Kaffe, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Sunra Coffee, Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and numerous corporate and community donors.

Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition
First Place Winners

2006 Pearl Estate Organics

2005    Rancho Aloha
2004    Lafayette Coffee
2003    Kona Coffee & Tea Co.
2002    Koa Coffee Plantation
2001    Wood Captain Cook Estate
2000    The Other Farm
1999    Dragon Roast Coffee
1998    Brockston Gate Estate
1997    Terry Fitzgerald Estate
1996    Keokea Kona Farm
1995    Kona Kulana Farms
1994    Perry Estate Farms
1993    Keopu Mauka Lani Plantation
1992    Kona Kulana Farms
1991    Wailapa Farms
1990    Island Girl Coffee
1989    Wailapa Farms
1988    Faye Takashiba
1987    Tojiro Motoki


For more information and digital images from the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition, please contact Jeannette Vidgen at Current Events at 808-326-7820 or email jvidgen@current-events.com .

Contact at 808-328-8366 for more information on Pearl Estate Organics.

WHAT:     15 Finalists Advance to Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition¹s
Final Round

    WHEN:    Final Round < Thursday, November 9
            9:00 a.m. to Noon

WHERE:    Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort

    INFO:    Current Events o 326-7820

The Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is a blind tasting with entries assigned a random number to assure anonymity. To keep the judges¹ palates alert between Wednesday¹s preliminary and Thursday¹s final round, these numbers are changed as the entries progress in the competition. Judges are looking for high marks in fragrance, aroma, taste, nose, aftertaste and body.

"This year¹s Gevalia Cupping Competition has proven Kona coffee once again as a world model for the perfect cup. With abundant rainfall, the crop has provided better than average coffee. This year¹s Kona coffee has a lower acidity and will help bring the coffee industry a better price than last year due to lower production and higher quality," stated Trent Bateman Chair, Gevalia Cupping Competition.

The following Kona Coffee farms were selected from over 70 entries in today's preliminary round. The public is invited to tomorrow's final round where these 15 contestants vie to win the coveted Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition.

Hawaiian Hawk
King K Coffee Co.
Kona Café
Kona Mountain Coffee Co.
Kowali Farm
Long Mountain Kona
Magic Mountain Farm
Meader¹s Farm
Moki¹s Farm
M&M Kona Coffee LLC
Pau Hana Estate
Pearl Estate Organic
Perry Estate Organic
Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm
The Funny Farm

The Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is a signature event of the 36th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For Immediate Release

Contact : Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808)326-7820
jvidgen@current-events.com 

BARISTAS GO CUP TO CUP

KONA SIGNATURE CUP JOINS KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL

KONA , HAWAII 'S BIG ISLAND (September 2006)-Competing baristas will go cup to cup as they set out to create the best original beverage featuring Kona coffee at the Kona Signature Cup, Saturday, November 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Kona Joe Coffee. The Kona Signature Cup joins nearly 50 official events slated for the 36th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival running November 3-11, 2006.

Sponsored by Kona Joe Coffee, the Kona Signature Cup will showcase talented baristas in a lively, timed competition. The Kona Signature Cup will feature twelve baristas from Hawaii as they create an original Kona coffee signature drink. A panel of four community judges will critique the drinks on the following criteria: presentation, preparation, taste and appearance. The public will also be able to cast a vote for their favorite barista.

Kona Joe Coffee will crown the Kona Signature Cup champion and also award the Kona coffee used in the winning beverage.

The event is a benefit for the Hawaii Historic Foundation. Live island entertainment, a live auction and food vendors will add to the festivities.

"The event promotes some of the best coffee in the world Kona Coffee, and the art of creating espresso drinks. The baristas will be on hand after the competition to share their signature cup with interested guests," stated BenJamin Prichard, event chair.

Space is limited. Baristas may enter by visiting www.konajoe.com or Contact BenJamin Prichard, Chairman at 808-756-0180.

The 36th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Hawaii 's oldest food festival, celebrates 178 years of coffee tradition from November 3-12, 2006. Enjoy nearly 50 Festival events including a cupping and picking contest, coffee tastings, two parades, a scholarship pageant, farm tours, art exhibits, an international marketplace, outdoor concert, golf tournament and much more!

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by Ueshima Coffee UCCHawaii Corp., Gevalia Kaffe, Kamehameha Schools , Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Sunra Coffee, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and numerous corporate and community donors.

For more information, contact Current Events at (808) 326-7820 or visit The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival web site at www.konacoffeefest.com.

For Immediate Release

Contact : Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808)326-7820
jvidgen@current-events.com 

UESHIMA COFFEE UCC HAWAII CORP. KONA COFFEE PICKING CONTEST ANNOUNCES WINNERS

HOLUALOA, HAWAII (November 11, 2005)
Kona Coffee Picking Contest event attracted coffee pickers of all levels and experience, attracting coffee pioneers as well as novices and keiki 12 years and younger.

Visitors and residents alike enjoyed the beautiful grounds of the Ueshima Coffee Farm as they tried their hand at picking only the reddest Kona coffee cherries in a timed competition.

Winners received generous cash prizes for picking the most Kona coffee in the three-minute time limit.

The Ueshima Coffee UCC Hawaii Corp. Kona Coffee Picking Contest is a signature event of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For more information contact the Kona Coffee Picking Contest chairperson, Millie Farris at 808-329-8764.

To request digital images of the picking contest, contact Jeannette Vidgen at Current Events
(808)326-7820 or email: jvidgen@current-events.com

For Immediate Release

Contact : Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808)326-7820
jvidgen@current-events.com 

RANCHO ALOHA WINS 2005 GEVALIA KONA COFFEE CUPPING COMPETITION

KONA, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND ­ Bruce and Lisa Corker, owners of Rancho Aloha were awarded first place at the 2005 Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition held at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Rancho Aloha is located on nearly four acres in Holualoa at the 1,400-foot elevation.

Rancho Aloha is certified organic by the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association and has been in operation for four years. This is the third time Rancho Aloha has entered the Cupping Competition.

Cupping judge John King of Harold King and Co. stated, "The top three were clearly the top three as each had attributes that out did the others. What set the winner apart? The intense floral fragrance and a mellow body
sweetness. I knew I had to pick that one because when I went to slurp I couldn¹t spit it out. It kept revealing itself on my palate."

Second place was given to Long Mountain Kona located in Honaunau, owned by Lewis and Kim Johnson. Third place was awarded to Aikane Kona Coffee located in Holualoa, owned by Dr Alan Wang.

Nearly sixty Kona coffee farmers submitted entries into this year's Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition. The blind-taste competition, held Wednesday and Thursday, was sponsored by Gevalia Kaffe. Fifteen entries advancing to today's final round.

Judges included Gevalia¹s Master Taster Lisslotte Eckhoff, Shunta Baba from Japan¹s UCC Ueshima Coffee Company, Ltd., world-renown coffee expert John King with Harold L. King & Company and Thompson Owen, founder of Sweet Maria's Coffee Inc. based in Northern California.

Each coffee farm submitted a 50-pound sample from which five pounds were actually entered into the cupping competition. To be eligible, the coffee submitted must have been harvested in Kona. The cupping competition is a blind tasting. Once the entry is accepted, it is simply assigned a number toprotect its anonymity. These numbers are even changed midway into the cupping between the preliminary and final rounds to keep the judges' palates
alert throughout the competition.

The coffee samples, both green and roasted, are placed on a long table for the judges to independently evaluate. The judges look for high marks in these six categories: fragrance, aroma, taste, nose, aftertaste and body.

Gevalia Kaffe is built on a tradition of fine craftsmanship encompassing 150 years. Gevalia carries more than 40 exquisite varieties of coffees and teas ranging from distinctive varietals, European and limited edition blends as
well as seasonal flavors. Gevalia¹s wide selection suits the personal tastes, mood and desires of even the world¹s most discriminating coffee-lovers. Gevalia is not sold retail and is available in the U.S. exclusively at www.gevalia.com or through 1-800-GEVALIA.

The Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is a signature event of the 35th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by Ueshima Coffee UCC Hawaii Corp., Gevalia Kaffe of Sweden, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, Starbucks Coffee, Sunra Coffee, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and numerous corporate and community donors.

Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition
First Place Winners
2005 Rancho Aloha

2004 ­ Lafayette Coffee
2003 - Kona Coffee & Tea Co.
2002 - Koa Coffee Plantation
2001 - Wood Captain Cook Estate
2000 - The Other Farm
1999 - Dragon Roast Coffee
1998 ­ Brockston Gate Estate
1997 - Terry Fitzgerald Estate
1996 - Keokea Kona Farm
1995 - Kona Kulana Farms
1994 - Perry Estate Farms
1993 - Keopu Mauka Lani Plantation
1992 - Kona Kulana Farms
1991 - Wailapa Farms
1990 ­ Island Girl Coffee
1989 ­ Wailapa Farms
1988 ­ Faye Takashiba
1987 ­ Tojiro Motoki

For more information and digital images from the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping
Competition, please contact Jeannette Vidgen at Current Events at
808-326-7820, fax 808-326-5634 or email jvidgen@current-events.com.

Contact Bruce and Lisa Corker at 808-322-9562 for more information on Rancho
Aloha.

For Immediate Release

Contact : Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808)326-7820
jvidgen@current-events.com 

REBECCA IWALANI YNIGUES NAMED MISS KONA COFFEE


KONA, HAWAII¹S BIG ISLAND(November 6, 2005)-Rebecca Iwalani Ynigues was crowned the new 2006 Miss Kona Coffee at the UCC Miss Kona Coffee Pageant held Saturday evening at Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Seventeen year old Rebecca Iwalani Ynigues swept the competition winning the swimsuit, casual wear, evening wear and interview categories.

Yniques is currently in her senior year at Kealekehe High School and is the daughter of Craig and Carly Ynigues. Rebecca performed an enchanting Tahitian dance and hula to the music of "Mutiny" that captivated both judges
and audience alike. Her platform "Recognizing Our Veterans, Honoring America's Heroes" paid tribute to her father who is currently stationed in Iraq until 2006.

First runner up was Tioni Tamsing, followed by Corilynn Wills and Heather Baptiste. 

As a member of the Miss America organization, the Miss Kona Coffee winner becomes eligible to compete at the Miss Hawaii Scholarship Pageant. Many will remember former Miss Kona Coffee, Carolyn Sapp, went on to become Miss America in 1992.

Rebecca Iwalani Yniques received a $2,000.00 scholarship, numerous other prizes and a trip to Japan courtesy of Ueshima Coffee UCC Hawaii Corp. Ueshima Coffee Company of Japan  established Ueshima Coffee (UCC Hawaii) Corp. in Kona in 1989.  For over a decade, Ueshima Coffee UCC Hawaii Corp. has been a proud sponsor of the Miss Kona Coffee Pageant.

For Immediate Release

Contact : Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808)326-7820
jvidgen@current-events.com 

PERFECTION IN A CUP - REVEALED AT THE KONA COFFEE CUPPING COMPETITION

KONA, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND (August 2005)-The first time coffee industry insiders gathered to blind-taste and judge Kona coffee occurred at the 1987 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Since then the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival's Kona Coffee Cupping Competition has grown in prestige as well as competitive spirit.

Learn first hand what distinctive characteristics define gourmet Kona coffee from a panel of international cupping judges when the Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition makes its nineteenth annual appearance beginning with the preliminaries on Wednesday, November 9 and the finals on Thursday, November 10, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort.

Over 70 Kona coffee farmers enter their finest work for this competitive judging beginning with the preliminary round on Wednesday, November 9. Each Kona coffee farm will submit a 75-pound parchment sample from which five pounds are actually entered. Each entry must conform to a very simple rule: each coffee bean in the sample must have been grown on the entrant's farm, and the farm must have some commercial tie to the Kona coffee industry. All submitted coffee undergo identical milling and to ensure the same high quality.

The coffee samples, both green and roasted, are placed on a rectangular table for the judges to independently evaluate. The judges scores are based on four positive attributes-fragrance and aroma, taste, acidity and body-and three negative attributes-freshness, off flavors and defects. The best coffees receive scores in the mid-range of a five-point system.

The top 15 Kona coffee entries make the cut on the first day of the competition, with the competition brewing higher on the second day, when the Kona coffee farm producing the winning gourmet flavor is revealed.

2005 Judging Panel
Lisslotte Eckhoff, Gevalia Kaffe of Sweden
Eckhoff began her coffee affiliation in 1987 in Denmark working for a coffee company as a laboratory technician. She moved to Sweden where she became successor to Gevalia Kaffe Master Cupper Willy Petersson. Lisslotte Eckhoff brings eighteen years of extensive knowledge of blending, selecting and tasting experience to the cupping competition.

Shunta Baba, UCC Ueshima Coffee Company, Ltd., Japan
Shunta Baba makes his third appearance at this year's cupping. Baba is the importing section manager responsible for purchasing green coffee from around the world. He has participated in UCC's training program at Jamaica's Assosiacao Comerico de Santos where he learned all stages of coffee and has given him valuable experience working with quality control.

John King, Harold L. King & Company, California
This third generation coffee importer of green coffees from around the world has been in the coffee business for over twenty years. King's family operates Harold L. King & Co., one of the oldest, largest and most respected coffee importing companies in the nation. John has acquired a unique knowledge of all facets of the coffee trade and has cupped thousands of coffees from around the world.

Thompson Owen, Sweet Maria's Coffee Inc.
Owen, the newest cupping judge returns for his second appearance at the cupping competition. Thompson Owen founded Sweet Maria's Coffee, an online store and resource center with his wife Maria in 1997. He has been involved in the coffee industry for over a decade and has judged numerous cupping competitions in Central and South America.

In addition to watching the ongoing judging and sampling of Kona coffees, guests can peruse the extensive collection of coffee inspired works of art at the Gevalia Kona Coffee Art Exhibit. Visitors can view and purchase coffee artwork produced by local artists. The public is invited to vote for a favorite Kona coffee artist in a People's Choice Award presentation.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development; Hawaii State Department of Agriculture; UCC Ueshima Coffee Company, Ltd.; Gevalia Kaffe of Sweden; Kamehameha Schools; Keauhou Resort; KTA Super Stores; Sunra Coffee; Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union and numerous corporate and community donors.

Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition
First Place Winners
2004 - Lafayette Coffee
2003 - Kona Coffee & Tea Company
2002 - Koa Coffee Plantation
2001 - Wood Captain Cook Estate
2000 - The Other Farm
1999 - Dragon Roast Coffee
1998 - Brockston Gate Estate
1997 - Terry Fitzgerald Estate
1996 - Keokea Kona Farm
1995 - Kona Kulana Farms
1994 - Perry Estate Farms
1993 - Keopu Mauka Lani Plantation
1992 - Kona Kulana Farms
1991 - Wailapa Farms
1990 - Island Girl Coffee
1989 - Wailapa Farms
1988 - Faye Takashiba
1987 - Tojiro Motoki

The Kona Coffee Cupping Competition is a signature event of the 35th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. A 2005 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival button is your entry to the Kona coffee tasting competition.

To request digital images of the event or for more information contact Current Events at (808) 326-7820 or visit the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival web site at www.konacoffeefest.com

Contact : Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808)326-7820
jvidgen@current-events.com 

35th ANNUAL KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL BREWING UP EXCITEMENT!

KONA COFFEE COUNTRY, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND -Pick up a cup of gourmet Kona coffee and savor 177 years of Kona coffee heritage blended into its robust flavor and aroma. Better yet, join in the celebration of Kona coffee pioneers through the exciting activities and cultural events of the 35th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival slated for November 4 - 13, 2005 .

The annual Kona coffee harvest, is one of the Big Island 's economically successful crops, and is celebrated every November. The award-winning Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is recognized as the oldest and most successful product festival in Hawaii and is the only coffee festival in the United States. This 10-day festival is filled with more than 30 community events honor the multi-ethnic heritage of Kona coffee pioneers and their gourmet brew.

There is something for everyone at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, with events planned throughout the week at various locations along the Kona Coffee Belt. At the annual Gevalia Kona Coffee Cupping Competition, festival attendees can observe a panel of international judges at work selecting the "best of the best" among Kona coffee farms. Coinciding with the Cupping Competition is the annual Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Competition that encourages the use of modern technology to promote images that best represent the grand history of Kona's coffee industry. Visitors can watch a coffee bean picking contest or explore the Kona Coffee Belt with its unique art galleries and shops while tasting pure estate Kona coffee at the Holualoa Village Kona Coffee Tasting & Art Stroll. An art show features a selection of paintings depicting views of the Kona coffee growing lifestyle, and at the KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest, culinary creations include the Kona coffee bean. Visitors can take tours of working and historical Kona coffee farms, mills and roasting operations. A golf tournament and a one mile run are also planned in conjunction with this historic festival.

An American missionary originally introduced coffee to Hawaii as an ornamental plant in 1828. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, nearly every race-Caucasian, Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese and Filipino participated in the production, processing and exporting of Kona coffee. By 1900, the Kona district had become a haven for the Japanese immigrants disenchanted with life on sugar plantations. The Kona district offered these rugged individuals the opportunity to achieve financial and personal independence unattainable in Japan or on the sugar plantations in Hawaii . As these pioneers carved out a place for themselves in the district, they adapted traditional Japanese architectural styles and building techniques, agricultural methods, social customs and religious practices to their new environment.

Second and third generation Japanese-Americans born on coffee farms between 1900 and 1945 continue to farm lands cleared and planted by their parents and grandparents today, as do Filipinos, Hawaiians, Portuguese and others. After decades of hardship by these pioneers in sustaining the industry, the groundwork has been laid out for today's gourmet Kona coffee market.

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is supported by UCC Ueshima Coffee Company, Ltd., Doutor Coffee Company Hawaii, Gevalia Kaffe of Sweden, Kamehameha Schools, Keauhou Resort, KTA Super Stores, County of Hawaii, Department of Research and Development, State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture, Starbucks Coffee Hawaii, Sunra Coffee and numerous corporate and community donors.

The 35th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 177-year coffee tradition with the theme "Honoring Kona's Pioneer Spirit" from November 4 - 13, 2005 . Enjoy more than 30 Festival events including contests, tastings, ethnic foods, two parades, a scholarship pageant, farm tours, art exhibits, an outdoor concert, golf tournament and more! There is something for everyone at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

For more information on this year's Kona Coffee Cultural Festival visit the website at www.konacoffeefest.com or call Current Events at 808-326-7820.

For digital images of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, contact Jeannette Vidgen at 808-326-7820 or email at jvidgen@current-events.com

Contact: Jeannette Vidgen
Current Events
Phone (808) 326-7820 Fax (808) 326-5634
jvidgen@current-events.com

NEW INTERNATIONAL KONA COFFEE CULTURAL FESTIVAL QUILT CONTEST IN 2005

KONA , HAWAII 'S BIG ISLAND – Quilt designs have celebrated the uniqueness of a region for years. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival adds to this international tradition with the first ever Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Quilt contest organized by Kona resident, Rozemaryn Van der Horst to premier in 2005 during the 35th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.

Using her international connections and the Internet, Van der Horst hopes to encourage quilters from around the world to discover Kona coffee and its rich multi-cultural heritage.

Quilters wishing to participate in the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Quilt Contest must adhere to strict guidelines. Quilt design must reflect Kona coffee, its industry or multi-cultural coffee heritage and must be 40 x 40 inches in size. Quilters have the chance to win one of three generous monetary prizes. Entries must be received by June 30, 2005 .

For full details and entry forms visit www.konacoffeequiltcontest.org. For information on the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival visit the festival web site at www.konacoffeefest.com or call (808) 326-7820.

2004 Media