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Why is Kona Coffee so Expensive?
For many coffee drinkers, the price of Kona Coffee is a definite deterrent, so why is Kona Coffee so Expensive?
After all, it’s just one type of coffee and among many other cheaper types. So what makes this specific type so high price compared to other standard coffee? It is because of its quality and rarity in comparison to other coffees. Besides, there are a lot of other factors that impact the price of Kona, which we might discover details in my article.
Kona Coffee comes from the United States in a great area with a unique climate. There are several reasons that make Kona coffee expensive and unique. All will be discovered right below. Hence, don’t be in a rush. Just take a deep breath and dive in!
Why is Kona Coffee so Expensive?
1. What is Kona coffee
Kona Coffee is a type of Arabica bean that grows in small farms on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa on the Big Island in Hawaii with smaller plants than most commercial crops. The beans are grown at higher elevations than any other coffee bean on earth, which accounts for their unique flavor profile and intense aroma. This results in a sweeter taste but less caffeine content per cup than an average cup of coffee sold elsewhere in the world.
Not only does this produce a more flavorful cup, but it also makes them more resistant to pests and disease, as well as some varieties being naturally resistant to drought conditions. In addition to these benefits, numerous environmental factors influence its quality and flavors. There are four main types of Kona coffee, including Kula, Hualalai, Kailua, and Makanoe.
2. Why Is Kona Coffee So Expensive?
a. Kona Coffee Beans are Rare
Although coffee is grown in many different places, the Kona Coffee Belt along the western coast of Hawaii’s Big Island produces just one percent of all that comes out. However, expanding this small growing region isn’t an option because it only measures 30 miles long and 1 mile deep – not big enough to grow more beans or improve the infrastructure needed for large-scale production.
In Kona region, the clime is differents from others, which offer the nice conditions for coffee tree’s growth. Its tropical climate with both sunlight morning and rain water every afternoon provides all advantages and volcanic soild also support to grow coffee perfectly. This environment is perfect compared with other parts of Hawaii, where it’s too dry or humid, which doesn’t provide enough light or water for growth.
b. Kona Coffee Limited Supply
Kona coffee grows on the sloping terrain of two volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Hualālai. The volcanic soil is rich in minerals that contribute to Kona’s unique taste thanks to Hawaii’s perfect weather conditions year-round. Unfortunately for us consumers (and fortunately for farmers), it means there isn’t much room left where you can grow a lot more; their growing region has been limited by time and space as well as existing since centuries ago!
There is only so much Kona coffee in the world, but it’s considered one of the best coffees due to its distinct flavor. However, because there isn’t enough for everyone and demand outweighs supply, wholesalers and retailers can charge a very high premium price on this type of roast.
c. Organic coffee beans
Coffee beans are naturally healthy because they contain high levels of antioxidants. However, organic coffee is more prevalent among ethical coffee drinkers and health enthusiasts because the farmers do not use synthetic fertilizers or chemicals used in growing or production to produce their wares. This means cleaner land, water, air–and even your cup!
hawaii kona coffee
In addition, organic coffee grows with only natural composts from coffee pulp, making it healthier than its non-organic counterparts, which may have been treated with pesticides and other harmful toxins during the process. Kona is precisely organic coffee.
d. Location & availability
The unique conditions of coffee plantations contribute to the aroma, taste, and flavor. Coffee drinkers have become increasingly sophisticated about their brews as they realize that not all beans are grown under similar conditions. Producers now put a premium on location and origin, which has increased awareness among buyers who appreciate knowing where their coffee comes from. Kona is only grown in Big Island, not other areas.
In 2011, a Coffee Cherry Borer infestation destroyed many Kona coffee farms. This led to making “Kona Blend,” which is 10% pure Kona and 90% random beans from other regions to meet the demand for higher production numbers.
e. High labor cost
Kona coffee is grown and harvested on the Big Island of Hawaii, making it subject to laws in the United States. This gives Kona coffee growers an immediate disadvantage when trying to price their products competitively compared with other areas that produce similar goods. Although this has its pitfalls for producers, it also benefits workers as they are protected by U.S.-level labor standards like minimum wage requirements from unfair practices such as child or slave labor.
The more expensive Kona coffee beans are only worth, the higher cost because of the extensive labor involved in picking them. Workers get paid significantly more than their counterparts elsewhere. In addition, they have to pick through rugged terrain that requires a solid physical effort for more extended periods than other regions where others grow coffee, such as Asia or South America.
Handpicking is a necessity in the Kona region due to terrain that cannot be traversed with machinery.
Kona coffee cherries must be picked by hand, making them much more expensive than machine harvested beans from other regions of the world where similar processes are used.
f. Threats
Kona coffee crops are threatened by the Kona Coffee Berry Borer (KCBB), which attacks immature cherries on trees. To rid their farms of this pest, farmers must not harvest in years following an infestation and may need to irrigate daily during dry seasons or droughts.
After a drought year, it takes Kona trees sometimes before they recover from lack of water caused by insufficient rainfall; however, rains in the afternoon along the Koa belt provide enough hydration for mature plants throughout each day.
3. How Much Does Kona Coffee Cost?
Kona coffee is an expensive kind of coffee. In general, 100% Kona roast averages about $20/pound while 100% organic Kona roasts average upwards of $30/pound, and the price can be even higher depending on how much pure Kona there is in each cup.
You can find a Kona blend at the grocery store for $5 or even less. The coffee isn’t pure, and it’s only sold there because of its name. At other chain grocers, 1 pound costs around $10—the most expensive roasts are half that price!
Kona coffee is roughly in line with specialty coffee blends and costs approximately $0.50 per cup if you use the two tablespoons per cup rule of making a standard cup of joe. Of course, this makes Kona one expensive brand, but at least it’s easy on your wallet when compared to other brands that sell for upwards of $20/pound!
4. Is Kona coffee so good?
Kona is more than good, it is simple but rich in flavor. It is light but delicate coffee with a superb aroma. 100% Kona will have a clean and well-balanced taste and flavors with brightness via acidity.
5. Buying guide good Kona coffee
There is an increase in demand for Kona coffee. Unfortunately, this has led to fake labels that can mislead buyers if they are not familiar with this type of product. Here’s what you need to know:
The original and authentic label should have a seal from the Hawaii Department Of Agriculture on all bottles, sacks, or containers and “KONA” written at least once within three inches vertically from the bottom right-hand corner on each package.
If buying online, ensure there is no evidence showing any false information about the origin, such as photographs that do not match their description. For example, the prices are too low compared to other significant websites selling it; photos show generic storefronts like Amazon or Walmart, etc.; the website doesn’t exist anymore after purchase took place…etc.
Here are some ways to know what is authentic Kona:
- The name Kona Roast can be misleading because there is no such thing as a coffee bean roast in the region of the Kona Coffee Belt. To have an authentic, quality cup of “Kona Roast,” you need to take your beans down south and roast them up north yourself!
- Kona is known for its coffee, but this Kona Style does not include any. Instead, its name implies a type of roast from the region, just like how many other people claim to have “Kona Coffee.” It seems as though they are trying to mislead buyers into thinking their product has some unique quality or flavor by naming it after such an iconic and popular place in Hawaii.
- Kona coffee will never be labeled as a Kona blend. It’s just 10% of the real thing mixed in with other types to make it last longer and have more flavor. But, you can at least feel good that some actual Kona coffee beans are being used when drinking this kind…even if it isn’t 100%.
- 100% Kona coffee is the real and authentic Kona. To be sure that you’re buying genuine 100% Kona, double-check the packaging to ensure it’s Hawaii-grown and packed – because there are a lot of fake blends on store shelves these days!
6. Where to buy it?
You can find Authentic Kona directly in Koa coffee company, mountain Thunder Kona Coffee, or Royal Kona in Hawaii Coffee company. Find their website. Or they also sell available on Amazon.
FAQs about “Why Is Kona Coffee So Expensive?”
Q1: Is Kona coffee worth the price?
Coffee snobs may argue that Kona coffee is worth its higher price tag, but some others prefer a cup of locally roasted Peaberry.
Kona coffee has a distinct advantage over more traditionally farmed coffees when it comes to flavor. Handpicking allows for only ripe cherries and beans to be picked, which ensures that farmers pick the best crop with no damaged or unripe fruit mixed in.
Unripe beans are often mixed with ripe cherries during the mechanical process of picking. This mixes unripe and ripened beans, which impacts flavor in a negative way for some coffee drinkers who prefer their roast to be more on the sweeter side.
When considering the production process, minimum wage of employees, limited supply, and higher quality beans that go into Kona Coffee compared to other blends on grocery store shelves, it is a good value for money.
Q2: Why is Kona coffee so special?
World-famous Kona coffee is highly rated due to its full flavor and nice aroma.
Q3: Does Kona coffee have more caffeine?
Kona beans are very high in caffeine compared to others, and it comes with 1.2 to 1.32: caffeine, while some coffee such as Ethiopian Harrar or Zimbabwe has only 1.1-1.13%.
Q4: Is Kona strong coffee?
No, Kona is a mild and high aromatic coffee bean.
Q5: Does Kona coffee taste different?
The traditional Kona Coffee has a light, sweet and fruity taste with hints of spice or nuts. As the coffee is roasted, it first picks up flavors of sweetness and fruit, which then declines as the roast progresses to develop its body.
Conclusion
Are you still wondering why is Kona coffee so expensive? No matter your preference, the facts on Kona coffee are alluring. While a cup of 100% pure Kona from Hawaii will cost you more than other brands at first glance ($8 for 12 ounces), it’s pretty affordable when considering its workers and their fair wages. You might also enjoy knowing that this small daily splurge is supporting local farmers as well!
If you try Kona one time, you might stick your mind to it for a long time. Let’s experience it and let me know if it is correct!
