Coffee growers elect Wayman

Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
by Howard Dicus

Jim Wayman, the new president of the Hawaii Coffee Association, has offered an olive branch to Kona growers concerned about the integrity of the Kona brand.

The largest coffee association in the state concluded its annual meeting over the weekend at the Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort, north of Lihue airport after electing Wayman, a former president, for a return stint in the post.

"I hope that all the coffee associations can work together," Wayman said. "Let's get together. Let's figure out what we have in common, and let's work for our common goals."

Wayman is president of Hawaii Coffee Co., producer of Lion Coffee, Royal Hawaiian Coffee and several coffees branded for local chefs and hotels. As a leading producer of Kona blends, Wayman has been a focus of criticism by some Kona growers who think blends dilute the Kona brand.

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