Is All Kona Coffee from Hawaii? 

When coffee is labeled “Kona,” “Blue Mountain,” or the name of any other major coffee-growing region, the consumer assumes that this means that the coffee was grown in that region.

The Kona region is known as a “specialty coffee” around the world, and coffee growers note that its distinctive flavor and aroma come from features unique to the Kona region: its volcanic soil, elevation, and humidity contribute to its flavor and scent.

However, some coffee sold with the label “Kona” may not be genuine Kona coffee from Hawaii.

Have Lawsuits Been Filed Over False Kona Labeling?

A group of coffee growers from Hawaii has come forward, alleging that some coffee products from a slew of major retailers are falsely labeled as Kona coffee from Hawaii. Indeed, the coffee growers claim that these labels mislead consumers about the quality of their purchase. And, by flooding the market with non-Kona coffee but labeling it as “Kona,” actual Kona coffee from Hawaii loses its value.

This class action lawsuit was filed against major retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Amazon, among several others, alleging that these companies used the
Kona” name to advertise their coffee that is not from the Kona region, in violation of the Lanham Act, which bans false designation of origin.

According to the lawsuit, the Kona region produces 2.7 million pounds of Kona coffee each year. Yet according to the plaintiffs, more than 20 million pounds of coffee is sold each year labeled as Kona coffee from Hawaii, significantly driving the price of the product down.

Which Retailers Are Selling Fake Kona Coffee?

Retailers and coffee sellers suspected of selling fake Kona coffee as if it were actual Kona coffee from Hawaii include:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Costco
• Albertsons Companies Inc.
• Java LLC
• CostPlus/WorldMarket
• Safeway Inc.
• The Kroger Co.
• BBC Assets LLC
• Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.
• Cameron’s Coffee and Distribution Co.
• Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee Ltd. LLC
• Gold Coffee Roasters Inc.
• Copper Mood Coffee LLC
• MNS LLC
• Marmaxx Operating Corp.
• Mulvadi Corp.
• Pacific Coffee Inc.
• Sprouts Farmers Inc.

Can I File a Kona Coffee Lawsuit?

It’s not just these coffee growers that are concerned about false advertising hurting their business, but countless more like them are raising similar claims. In addition, coffee lovers have taken to the internet to warn consumers about the fake brands being sold as Kona.

If you have purchased coffee with Kona or Blue Mountain labels, you may not actually be getting the product you think you’re paying for—the coffee may not genuinely be Hawaiian Kona or Jamaican Blue Mountain. If you’ve purchased Kona or Blue Mountain coffee from one of the retailers named above, you may be able to participate in this class action lawsuit investigation.

Litigation can seem overwhelming, but Top Class Actions has done the first step for you by connecting you with an experienced false adverting attorney. Consulting a false advertising attorney can help you determine whether or not you have a claim, navigate litigation, and maximize your compensation.

Join a Free Kona Coffee & Blue Mountain Coffee Investigation

If you purchased Kona Coffee or Blue Mountain Coffee because you believed it was from the Kona District of Hawaii or the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, you may qualify to join this Kona coffee false advertising class action lawsuit investigation.

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