Why Is Kona Coffee So Expensive?
Kona coffee beans are unique because they are grown commercially only in one region of the US. They are grown across the Island of Hawaii and on the Hualalai’s volcano slopes. Despite this, Kona coffee brands and products have been rising in popularity all over the world, which makes people wonder: why is Kona coffee so expensive, then?
Why Is Kona Coffee So Expensive?
Kona coffee is so expensive because it’s one of the rarest types of coffee, which is available in a very small and limited location. Kona coffee beans are also hand-picked by farmers throughout the year. Due to the small land area where Kona beans are grown, they’re only available in limited supply.
Even though the climate favors the growth of these crops, the land locations are difficult for cultivation. The slopes are really very steep, and the ground seems rocky at the sites. Therefore, the cost of processing those crops is high. Also, Hawaii is not at all a cheap place for people to live.
Also, depending upon the conditions, all the farming work is done by hand. Therefore, paying the laborers adds up quickly to the overall cost of Kona coffee.
How Location Affects Pricing
Most coffee drinkers are aware of where their beans are harvested and Kona coffee is no exception. With its exclusive location, there is a premium on its name, and coffee connoisseurs who love it raise its demand.
Kona coffee needs specific conditions that only the Kona region meets. Even if you plant Kona coffee beans in similar regions, the taste would be different. Hence, why
Most Kona coffee plantations follow the traditional way of making them. Hence, there are no synthetic fertilizers or chemicals added throughout the process. Organic coffee beans are generally more expensive than those who use chemicals and synthetic fertilizers.
How Labor Costs Affect Pricing
Kona coffee farm laborers get about 20 times higher wages than the laborers who work in other coffee production regions. Any coffee pack that says ‘Kona blends’ will be less expensive. Packs of coffee that note the 100% Kona coffee tag will cost more due to them containing 100% Kona beans.
However, due to the rich taste and overall pleasant experience of Kona coffee, most coffee consumers are satisfied with the price they pay for 100% Kona coffee.
How Coffee Grade Affects the Pricing
There is a grading system for Kona coffee beans that decides its pricing. The bigger and high-quality ones are more expensive in the market than the smaller beans. If you want to experience the true taste of Kona coffee, go with 100% Kona coffee, and you will be delightfully enjoying the unique taste.
How to Buy Kona Coffee
You should buy Kona coffee as a whole bean. Grinding these beans yourself at home will give you the utmost satisfaction with the taste of this unique coffee bean. However, if you prefer to buy as grounds you will still enjoy much that this unique coffee taste has to offer.
Every individual has a different coffee brewing technique. It will be important to buy the level of roast that meets your specific tastes. So, the right type of roast will make your investment in Kona coffee a worthy one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There A Shortage Of Kona Coffee?
The availability rate of Kona coffee is very low. It is 1% of the entire world’s coffee production. Therefore, it is relatively rare. Farmers are trying their level best to maintain the stock levels for Kona coffee. Other brands are trying to make blends of it to do business by using the name of Kona.
It is important to know that while Kona blends are delicious they can often contain less than 50% Kona beans. If you are looking for 100% Kona coffee it will be important to check the label to see what percentage of Kona is included.
Does Starbucks Sell Kona Coffee?
Starbucks is now finally able to brew the Gourmet Kona Coffee in their clover machine. In addition, they can now roast coffees to give them a more subtle aroma and flavor. Earlier it was not that prominent, but now they are all set for giving out Kona coffees to their customers at dedicated prices.
What Is The Average Price Of Kona Coffee?
The average price of the Kona coffee is $20 per pound, whereas the average rate for 100% Kona coffee is $30 for each pound. The rate might vary and increase, depending upon the amount of Kona coffee beans blended in it. So, if you have the urge to enjoy a delicious coffee with immense health benefits, then you can plan on spending a bit extra from your pocket to get the 100% pure Kona coffee.
Is Kona Coffee Worth The Price?
If you are a regular coffee lover, who has no idea about the efficacy of Kona coffee, then you might feel like this coffee is a bit extravagant. But if you are looking for delicacy and health benefits in a coffee, then Kona coffee can give you that satisfying taste. Once you change to Kona coffee, there is no turning back!
Conclusion
100% Kona Coffee and blends are a rarer type of bean and more difficult to produce. As such, the rates for these coffees can be higher than others People who appreciate the taste of Kona coffee understand the reason behind the higher price.
