The New York Times has published an exemplary piece highlighting Lieff Cabraser’s leadership in securing a pivotal victory for Kona coffee farmers in a pernicious fraud case. Initiated by Lieff Cabraser in 2019 on behalf of Hawaiian farmers, the lawsuit targeted major retailers and suppliers for selling counterfeit Kona coffee, thereby diminishing the esteemed legacy of this treasured true Kona coffee product.
The near five-year legal battle involving three small yet steadfast Kona coffee farms against 22 major entities resulted in a significant $122 million economic relief settlement. This includes $41 million in direct cash payments to the farmers as well as pivotal changes in labeling and business practices to ensure the authenticity and integrity of Kona coffee products.
The settlements, which are some of the largest in the industry, aim to safeguard the integrity of Kona coffee. They also compel involved companies to disclose the actual percentage of Kona beans in their products, marking a significant step towards transparency and protecting the heritage and hard work of around 600 to 1,000 local farms cultivating this premium product. This result is not just a win for the Kona coffee community, but also sets a precedent discouraging the misuse of geographic names in marketing globally.
Read the full article on The New York Times website.
Learn more about the Kona Coffee Class Action Advertising Fraud Litigation.
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