The Hawai’i Coffee Association turned this year’s Coffee Champs Brewer’s Cup into a fundraiser for the Maui Coffee Association, assisting their members who were affected by the summer fires in Hawai’i. The event took place at Tradition Coffee Roasters in Kailua and saw 12 competitors from O’ahu, Hawai’i Island, and Los Angeles.
In an effort to gather funds for those affected by the fire, companies across Hawai’i donated items for an auction while local vendors pledged a portion of their sales towards the cause. The Hawaii Coffee Association ensured that all proceeds from this event went to the Maui Coffee Association. Although the total amount is not yet confirmed, it is projected that over $3,000 will be contributed to support the coffee community of Maui as they recover from this natural disaster.
The Coffee Champs Brewer’s Cup showcased two unique coffees grown in Hawai’i, generously donated by Hawaiian Goat Coffee and Big Island Coffee Roasters. As part of the competition, participants engaged in a blind tasting of these two coffees before choosing their competition coffee and presenting it to a panel of judges. The judging panel included Brittany Horn and Juli Burden, both four-year veterans; Marc Marquez with three years; Alex Brooks with two years; along with newcomers Ariel Shephard-Hall and Bronson Lau.
Claiming victory at the competition were Gillian Perdido of Daily Whisk Matcha securing first place; Kyla Villamor of Cafe Villamor in second place; and Sarah Wylie of Tradition Coffee Roasters taking third place.
In a statement by the Hawaii Coffee Association, this event was described as a “lively and exciting” opportunity for various members of our coffee community to convene while promoting involvement with HCA’s initiatives. The audience comprised baristas, roasters, coffee educators, consultants, coffee consumers, and others who share a love for coffee.
The Hawai’i Coffee Association’s mission statement on their website articulates its commitment to serve as a platform for education, communication, and the pursuit of mutual objectives aimed at sustained profitability for the entire Hawaii coffee industry.
