Pacific Coffee Research Bridges The Gap Between Growers & Consumers In Hawai'i – CoffeeTalk

In 2014, Brit Horn arrived in Kona, Hawaii, to offer her services as a professional coffee roaster. She realized a critical gap existed between growers and consumers in the coffee industry, particularly in Kona, where many farmers do their own processing. This results in inconsistent flavor of Kona coffee. In 2017, Brit opened Pacific Coffee Research (PCR) to provide science-based training, technical services, and a deeper understanding of the coffee supply chain. PCR offers various classes, courses, and events to help coffee growers and producers improve their marketability.

Brit emphasizes that coffee flavor preferences are subjective, and consumers’ tastes vary widely. To be successful in the marketplace, growers need to assign a flavor profile to their coffee that will attract customers seeking their specific flavor preferences. PCR has licensed Q graders and trained roasters on staff to teach new skills and offer services designed to improve coffee flavors and guarantee consistency. Meg Duka, one of PCR’s Q graders, brings her well-rounded background and technical expertise to the role of sourcing, roasting, and maintaining quality control for PCR.

The analytic process at PCR begins with a grower’s green coffee being roasted slightly to release the inherent and unique aromas and flavors of that crop. They report to the grower the strengths and potential weaknesses in the flavor profile and offer professional advice on roasting techniques that can enhance the strengths and diminish any weaknesses. Growers can then seek advice on adding flavors that might improve their coffee, and PCR’s professional roasters can establish a proprietary roasting profile to achieve the growers’ goals.

PCR benefits the large community of Hawaii coffee consumers while also offering additional services to the local community. Their monthly class schedule is posted on their website, including opportunities to become a Q Grader and/or develop sensory skills. Building Barista Skills, Roasting, and Coffee Cupping are among the training classes offered. Community members are welcomed at monthly Pau Hana Community Tastings, which are free and offer different coffees from around the world. PCR also purchases coffee from local and international farmers, which they analyze, grade, and process to create their own line of specialty coffees.

Several of the farms featured are women-owned, and PCR is dedicated to encouraging women farmers and entrepreneurs to pursue their professional goals. Brit also encourages growers she works with to use sustainable practices on their farms.

PCR also has a wholesale coffee program that offers a range of services to local coffee businesses, including a curated selection of coffees, barista training, equipment sales, tech support, education and consulting services, and customer service coaching. Their hands-on approach seeks to empower a business’s team members to confidently serve exceptional coffee.

The presence of PCR and all its services is a wonderful asset to the coffee industry in Hawaii. Visit their website to learn more about them and plan to attend one of their monthly tastings to learn more about tasting coffee while enjoying a range of flavors from around the world.

Pacific Coffee Research is a coffee research facility in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. They offer various gardening events, including a work day at Amy Greenwell Garden, a Coffee Berry Borer & Coffee Leaf Rust Management Field Day, and Hands on Coffee Grafting Workshops. Volunteers are invited to help with garden maintenance and are provided with water and snacks.

On July 26, there will be a Coffee Berry Borer & Coffee Leaf Rust Management Field Day in Ka‘u, where registration is required for lunch. The Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association Annual Meeting and Conference will be held on July 24 at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. Hands on coffee grafting workshops are also scheduled.

Farmer direct markets are available at various locations, including Ho‘oulu Farmers Market at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa, Keauhou Farmers Market, Kamuela Farmer’s Market, Waimea Town Market, and Waimea Homestead Farmers Market. Pure Kona Green Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, and “Hamakua Harvest” is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Hwy 19 and Mamane Street in Honoka‘a.

Plant advice lines can be called 322-4892 to check when they will be back in service. Diana Duff, a plant adviser, educator, and consultant, lives on Oahu and works part-time in Kona.

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