Key facts
- Approximately 140 jobs at Kauai Coffee Company will be preserved through a new long-term agricultural lease.
- The lease agreement was reached between Kauai Coffee's parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group, and landowner Brue Baukol Capital Partners.
- Kauai Coffee manages 4 million coffee trees and has operated since the late 1980s.
- The company had previously notified officials of plans to cease operations and lay off 136 employees.
- The new lease underscores a commitment to stewarding 3,100 acres designated as Important Agricultural Lands.
Approximately 140 jobs at Kauai Coffee Company are secured following the finalization of a new long-term agricultural lease between the coffee grower and landowner Brue Baukol Capital Partners. This agreement resolves months of uncertainty that had threatened the future of the company, the country's largest coffee producer.
Previously, Kauai Coffee had notified state and county officials of its intent to cease operations and lay off 136 employees between March 14 and March 28 due to the expiration of its prior lease. The company's parent, Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group, and landowner BBCP had been in unsuccessful negotiations for nearly two years.
Brian Kubicki, Kauai Coffee's general manager, expressed pride in the outcome, stating that the team is secure and looking forward to growth and new job opportunities. The new lease will also support new positions in farm technology, machinery, and visitor experiences, and continue the Fair Trade Community Development program, which has allocated $640,000 to local projects.
James Priestley, vice president at BBCP, noted the shared commitment to stewarding the 3,100 acres of Important Agricultural Lands and the potential for other agricultural production on unused portions of the property. The situation had drawn concern from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142 and Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo, who is pleased an agreement was reached that benefits the community.