Kona Blend

Country: Mexico, Hawaii
Producer: Ek Balam Productores del Jaguar, Kona RainForest Farms
Altitude: 950-1650 Meters
Cultivar: Various
Process: Fully washed
Certification: Organic & Non-GMO

Ek-Balam - Ek-Balam Productores del Jaguar S.C. DE R. L. de C.V. (Ek-Balam) was formed in 2019 with 399 members. The vast majority of producers have indigenous roots and continue to speak a native language. Nearly one third of these growers are women who depend on income from coffee to support their families. They cultivate coffee on farms that average just a few acres in size, small enough for each producer to process their own coffee with their own micro-mill. Ek-Balam provides crucial support to small producers. In particular, the association has helped producers gain access to credit and certifications. Investments for basic infrastructure needs, like road improvements, establishing local warehouses, and operating a dry-mill facility are all coordinated through Ek-Balam, which ensures traceability and quality control throughout the post-harvest process. Their collective efforts have established higher prices and more producer income to support best agricultural practices and improve livelihoods.

Kona RainForest Farms - Kona RainForest Farms (KRF) was planted back in 1999, which makes it a relative newcomer to this area that saw its first coffee trees about 175 years ago. Fortunately, the farm produced a superior coffee bean right from the original harvest thanks to the perfect combination of volcanic soil, sunshine, rainfall and temperature. When the farm was acquired in 2006 by current owners Robert and Dawn Barnes it really began to live up to its potential. The Barnes realized that if they took on the exacting work of organically growing, harvesting, milling and roasting their coffee beans, enhancing what nature had bestowed on them, they would create a unique, high-quality coffee that exceeds the expectations of coffee connoisseurs everywhere. While the skill and hard work required to accomplish this are crucial, equally important is a passion for doing it well – no satisfaction is enjoyed until the beans are the best.