Hawaii Department of Agriculture Faces Challenges in Enforcing New Coffee Labeling Law

As a coffee lover and advocate for transparency in the coffee industry, I was thrilled to hear about the new coffee labeling law in Hawaii that requires origin transparency. The law, set to take effect on July 1, will require all coffee products sold or displayed in Hawaii stores to indicate the percentage of coffee grown in a specific region, such as Kona or Ka’u.

This law is a significant step towards ensuring that consumers are aware of where their coffee comes from and can make informed choices about the products they purchase. It also helps to protect the integrity of Hawaiian coffee by ensuring that products labeled as “100% Hawaiian” are indeed grown and processed within the state.

Enforcement of this new law may be a challenge, as the Hawaii Department of Agriculture has not been provided with additional inspection staff. However, the department plans to increase inspection of retail shelves statewide and rely on complaint-driven enforcement in the immediate future.

As a supporter of small local coffee producers like Milagrosa Single Estate, I believe that this law will benefit both consumers and producers. By promoting transparency and authenticity in the coffee industry, we can help consumers make more informed choices and support local producers who prioritize quality over quantity.

I encourage all coffee lovers to pay attention to the origin of the coffee they purchase and support brands that are transparent about where their coffee comes from. By choosing to buy direct from small local producers like Milagrosa Single Estate, you can enjoy premium specialty coffee while supporting sustainable and ethical practices in the coffee industry. Cheers to transparency and quality in every cup!