New labeling requirements for Hawai‘i-branded coffee products will go into effect on July 1, 2024 and will apply to all coffee product inventory sold to the public or displayed at retail stores in Hawai‘i.

The Hawaiian Coffee Labeling Act 211, which was enacted in July 2023, requires all coffee products carrying a Hawai‘i geographical reference to include the disclosure of the location where the coffee was grown in the state, and also indicate the percentage by weight of locally grown coffee and coffee grown elsewhere. The law also specifies that coffee products claiming to be 100% Hawaiian in the labeling and advertising must be grown and processed in Hawai‘i.

“Unfortunately, the law did not provide for additional inspection staff so enforcement of the new law will be a challenge given the other statutory responsibilities of the branch,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture. “However, the department will increase inspection of retail shelves statewide and may have to rely on complaint-driven enforcement for the immediate future.”

Source: Maui