Small Farm Big Win: Coffee Cupping Competition and Why It Matters

 We won the Hawaii statewide coffee cupping competition for the Hāmākua District for the fourth time!  (2022, 2023, 2024, 2026), but what does it mean?

There are so many factors that go into producing that one cup of coffee, including climate, soil, processing methods, how they’re sourced, types of roasts, grinds and brewing method. All these factors play a role in how the coffee tastes.

Coffee availability is ubiquitous, but good, quality coffee is rare. The Hawaii region produces only 0.05 percent of coffee worldwide, it's a testament to why Hawaii coffee stands out among the crowded coffee aisles. How? One documented way is through coffee cupping competition.

Coffee cupping is the process used by coffee producers, buyers, and professionals to evaluate coffee aroma and flavor profile. Cupping professionals, or Q graders, review each cup in multiple categories: fragrance/aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, uniformity, clean cup, sweetness, defects, and overall taste experience. Cupping scores are the scores assigned to a cup based on these evaluations. It is both an art and a science.

Coffee that scores 80 points or above is considered specialty coffee. For 2026 out of 125 entries, 42% made it above 80 points. Rare coffees indeed. 

We’re honored to be part of world-renowned Hawaiian coffee farmers.

Know that when you purchase our Hog Heaven Coffee you’re getting quality coffee recognized by distinguished coffee connoisseurs. Taste for yourself!