24th Annual HCA Conference Slated for July 25-27

Photo courtesy of Big Island Coffee Roasters.

Coffee business owners and industry professionals are invited to attend the 24th Annual Hawai‘i Coffee Association’s (HCA) Conference and 11th Annual Statewide Cupping Competition from July 25 to 27 at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu.

This year’s events will include speakers, workshops, and preliminary rounds for two U.S. Coffee Champs events: the 2020 Brewers Cup and Barista Competition, and tours of the Ko Hana Rum Company and the Hawai‘i Agriculture Research Center (HARC) in Kunia.

“We’re thrilled to be showcasing the best in Hawaiian coffee on O‘ahu and the hard-working farmers and processors that produce it,” said Chris Manfredi, HCA president. “More than ever, we will be highlighting those who market, brew and serve Hawaiian coffee. This year’s conference is shaping up to be a must-attend event for all those with a connection to Hawaiian coffee.”

Ric Rhinehart, past executive director of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), will be the keynote speaker discussing “The Future of Specialty Coffee.” Rhinehart is an advocate for sustainability in the coffee sector, especially for small business farmers. Dr. Sarada Krishnan will headline the educational speaker presentations and discuss “Adapting to Climate Change: Knowledge About Coffee Pest and Diseases, Specifically Coffee Leaf Rust.” Dr. Krishnan is the director of horticulture and center for global initiatives at Denver Botanic Gardens. He owns coffee plantations in Jamaica and will present some of the major coffee pests and diseases, as well as information on coffee leaf rust.

The HCA conference will feature a trade show and all activities are open to coffee professionals and the media. Workshops will cover coffee roasting, processing, harvesting and brewing.

For more information and to register, visit www.hawaiicoffeeassociation.org. Registered attendees are eligible to receive special accommodation rates at the Ala Moana Hotel.