In Between Seasons and Behind the Scenes

The 2019 harvest wrapped up in January, and there is still a little time to go before the first flowers of 2020 bloom across the farm. While the coffee trees may look like they are taking a break, that doesn't mean our team is sitting back and relaxing. The work that takes place behind the scenes and in-between seasons is critical. We are so grateful for all of our staff and the hard work they do to make sharing 100% Kauai Coffee with you and your ‘ohana possible. We couldn’t feature every staff member in this post but will continue to share more of their stories and photos as often as possible so you get to know more of the people who have a hand in making Kauai Coffee great. Learn more about what happens behind the scenes now.

Maintenance and Repair

When you have four million coffee trees growing on 3,100 acres, the key to a great harvest is great people and reliable equipment. We are very fortunate to have both here on the Garden Island. Did you know that Kauai Coffee has an entire team of mechanics and welders who dismantle, refurbish, and reassemble our equipment after every harvest? While the coffee trees are blooming and growing the next crop of coffee, our maintenance crew is working hard to ensure sure we'll be ready for harvest in the fall. Harvest operations run 24 hours a day between September and the end of December, and it takes nearly every minute of the growing season to rebuild and refurbish! [caption id="attachment_3485" align="alignright" width="1024"] Mitchell, a Journey Welder Fabricator, and Erick an Apprentice Welder.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3483" align="alignright" width="1024"] Ruben, Master Machinist[/caption]

Roasting

One thing that makes 100% Kauai Coffee unique is that every step from seed to cup takes place on our Estate and under our care. From growing to roasting to packaging, we can assure the highest quality and excellence at every level. Our roasting process is no exception. During peak roasting times, our staff and equipment can roast between 28 and 32 100-pound batches per day or an average of 63,000 pounds per month! [caption id="attachment_3491" align="alignright" width="1024"] Al, Associate Roastmaster[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3484" align="alignright" width="1024"] Nate, Associate Roastmaster[/caption]

Quality Control and Cupping

We use a lot of technology and state-of-the-art equipment to grow, harvest, process, and roast Kauai Coffee, but when it comes to quality, some things require an expert touch. From cherry density and composition to assessing green beans, you won't find better than Johnnie, our Factory Lab Control Analyst. Coffee cupping is a tasting technique used by professional Q graders to ensure the quality of a particular coffee. We are fortunate to have two licensed Q graders on staff at Kauai Coffee, who sample every batch. It's a serious business, but a few laughs and smiles are inevitable when Kauai Coffee is involved! [caption id="attachment_3489" align="alignright" width="1024"] From left: Jorge, Quality Assurance Technician and Q Grader, Wailani, Roastmaster Apprentice, Kailen, Associate Roastmaster[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3482" align="alignright" width="1024"] Sheldon, Associate Roastmaster & Away From Home Equipment Technician[/caption]

Retail, Visitor Services, and E-Commerce

The Visitor Center and Kauai Coffee 2 retail store are always buzzing with excitement and caffeine! However, most Kauai visitors come to the island between December and April, making this time of year an especially fun and busy time on the Estate. Our Visitor Center staff, tour guides, and retail associates are always full of aloha and greet approximately 1,000 visitors per day! [caption id="attachment_3480" align="alignright" width="1024"] From left: Susan, Coffee Concierge Trainer, Donette, Assistant Retail Operations Manager, Darla, Retail Operations Manager[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3488" align="alignright" width="1024"] Faith, Customer Service Supervisor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3490" align="alignright" width="1024"] Angie, E-Commerce Packer[/caption]

Women in Coffee

Women contribute significantly to the global coffee economy, with 20-30% of coffee farms being female-owned or operated, and up to 70% of the agricultural labor associated with global coffee production being provided by women. At Kauai Coffee, women hold vitally important roles. From keeping our orchards healthy and weed-free to managing irrigation, packaging, finance, human resources, and more, we're immensely proud and grateful for all of their contributions.