Kauaʻi Coffee Co. secures 15-year lease, ensuring future of the largest U.S. coffee farm

Kauaʻi Coffee Co. has secured a 15-year lease for its 3,100-acre plantation on the island’s west side, ending months of uncertainty about the future of the historic and nation’s largest coffee farm, the company announced Thursday.

After two years of negotiations, which at times were at a standstill, a lease agreement was finalized between landowner Brue Baukol Capital Partners, a Colorado-based investment firm that bought the property from Alexander & Baldwin in 2022, and Kauaʻi Coffee’s parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA.

“Kauaʻi Coffee has always belonged to the people of Kauaʻi, and that will never change,” said Brian Kubicki, general manager of Kauaʻi Coffee Co.

The lease agreement guarantees continued operations, preserving jobs and agricultural operations. It also reinforces commitments to environmental stewardship, as well as paving the way for future expansion, the company said.

The continuation of Kauaʻi Coffee also is important for the economy as one of the island’s top visitor attractions for farm tours and its coffee shop experience.

“Our appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of support and aloha from our community can’t be overstated,” Kubicki said. “We are proud to say that our roots remain exactly where they belong, our team is entirely secure, and we are actively looking forward to bringing even more job opportunities to our local community as we grow.”

In January, Kauaʻi Coffee sent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications, known as WARN notices, to its 141 employees with the land lease set to end on March 28.

WARN notices provide protection to workers, their families and communities by requiring employers to provide notification 60 calendar days in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs.

On Jan. 7, senior advisor Wayne Katayama of Kauaʻi Coffee Co., along with 20 employees, spoke about the ongoing lease issues affecting the coffee farm.

The renewed lease now secures all existing jobs at the farm and visitor center, according to Kauaʻi Coffee officials.

The farm also plans to expand hiring as it invests in equipment upgrades, farm modernization projects, and visitor experiences. Future openings are expected in skilled trades, including mechanics, electricians, welders and machinery operations, as well as positions in hospitality.

The new lease now allows Kauaʻi Coffee to focus on a forward-looking growth strategy, fully supported by its parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, which is part of the global Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group.

“Our role is to serve as a strong foundational backbone for Kauaʻi Coffee, providing the national scale and robust distribution network needed to protect and amplify what makes this farm so special,” said Matthew Smith, President of Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA.

“We believe completely in the local team, the community, and the land. By securing this long-term lease, we’re ensuring that the local operation has the stability and support it needs to thrive and continue growing the finest coffee in America.”

The company said it will continue operating under its Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and non-GMO Project certifications, and maintain its role as a steward of lands designated by the state as Important Agricultural Lands.

They also pledge to continue funding community initiatives through the farm’s Fair Trade Community Development Program, which has directed more than $640,000 toward projects benefiting Kauaʻi’s west side communities.

“Kauai Coffee Company and its employees have been exceptional stewards of these lands for the past 15 years, and we are grateful for the care, dedication, and commitment they have shown, especially throughout the past several months as we worked toward a new agreement,” said James Priestley, vice president of Brue Baukol Capital Partners.

Brue Baukol began investing in Kauaʻi in 2021, including McBryde Resources, Kukuiʻula Development, Kukuiʻula Realty and The Club at Kukuiʻula.

Farm officials added that they also plan to host a community appreciation event in the coming months to thank their employees, residents and supporters who backed the farm during lease negotiations.