Kona Coffee Settlements With Kroger, Others Get Final Nod

Kona coffee farmers secured a Washington federal court’s final approval of three class settlements with Kroger Co. and others totaling $2.15 million, to resolve allegations that the companies deceptively portrayed ordinary coffee as highly desired Kona coffee.

The companies also agreed to label changes for Kona coffee products.

Real Kona coffee is only grown in the Kona district of the big island of Hawaii, where the volcanic soil, elevation, and humidity combine to give the coffee its renowned flavor and aroma, the growers claimed. They raised Lanham Act claims, alleging the deception confused consumers and caused them financial harm.

The ...