The Hawaiian Coffee Labeling Act 211, set to take effect on July 1st, aims to provide transparency to consumers by requiring coffee products carrying a Hawai‘i geographical reference to disclose the location where the coffee was grown in the state, as well as the percentage of locally grown and foreign-grown coffee. This new law is a significant step towards ensuring that consumers are not misled by false or exaggerated claims of Hawaiian-grown coffee. While the law is a welcome move, its enforcement may pose a challenge due to the limited resources allocated to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture. The department will have to rely on complaint-driven enforcement and increase inspections of retail shelves statewide. The new requirements include clear labeling of coffee origin and percentage information on the front label, with a minimum font size of half the size of the identity statement. This move is expected to benefit local coffee farmers and consumers alike, providing a level of authenticity and accountability in the industry. In my opinion, this law is long overdue and will help to protect the reputation of Hawaiian coffee, which is renowned for its high quality and distinct flavor profile.
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