Coffee beans are grown in various areas globally in the Equatorial zone called “The Bean Belt” between latitudes 25 degrees North and 30 degrees South.
High altitudes, a moist, tropical climate, rich soil, and temperatures around 70°F (21°C) will enable the coffee beans to thrive and produce the best coffee beans.
The regions where the best coffee is grown are
- Central and South America
- Africa
- Middle East
- Southeast Asia
Central and South America
Central and South America is the largest producer of coffee with Brazil and Colombia being the top exporters of coffee.
Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama produce mild medium-bodied, and aromatic coffee beans.
Colombia is the best-known coffee-producing country that is grown by small family farms. The competition between the farms is stiff leading to consistently high-quality beans.
Africa and the Middle East
Kenya and the Arabian Peninsula are the best producers of coffee beans in Africa and the Middle East. Kenyan coffee is full-bodied and fragrant while Arabian beans are known to have a fruity flavor.
Although Ethiopia is where coffee found its origin around 800 C.E it may not be the best found in Africa but still rates highly among the top coffees. Coffee produced in Ethiopia is both full-flavored and full-bodied.
Southeast Asia
Java coffee is so popular that a computer programming language was named after it. This and Sulawesi are famous for their rich, full-bodied coffees with “earthy flavors.
Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra are the top producers in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia is renowned for storing its coffee beans in warehouses to age. It has since become highly valued for its unique flavor.
In addition to the additional flavor, it also allows Indonesian growers to sell their coffee at a bigger profit.
List of Coffee Brands Starting With K
Now that we have looked at what kind of coffee goes into the perfect brew, in this article we will take a look at coffee brands starting with K along with a breakdown of some of our favorites.
- Kona Blend Coffee
- Kicking Horse Coffee
- Klatch
- Koa Coffee
- Koffee Kult
- Keurig
- Kenco Coffee
- Kilimanjaro Coffee
- Komeda Coffee Shop
- Kopi Luwak
- Krispy Kreme
- Kenyan Coffee
- Kent Coffee Beans
- K7 Coffee Beans
1. Kona Blend Coffee
Coffee plants from Brazil were introduced to the Kona district on the Island of Hawaii in 1828 by Samuel Reverend Ruggles. English merchant Henry Nicholas Greenwell moved to Kona where he established Kona Coffee.
When the coffee market crashed in 1899 plantation owners leased their farms out to workers in portions of 5–12 acres (2–5 hectares). This enabled the workers to large, quality crops.
Today there are approximately 800 Kona coffee farms that are smaller than 5 acres (2 ha).
The Kona Coffee Belt is located on Hualapai Mountain and Mauna Loa, located between 500 to 3200 feet above sea level that receives 60+ inches of rainfall per year on average.
The slightly acidic, well-drained volcanic soil and mild temperature swings allow the coffee trees to flower in the dry season and bear coffee beans during the wet season.
After hand-picking the beans are pulped, dried, and hulled. An automated process sorts the beans into various grades by size and shape.
Peaberry beans are the most sought after and are formed when the sides of the flower fuse together producing only one bean in the coffee cherry. This provides a more concentrated flavor.
After the automated process, Kona beans are sun-dried and roasted.
The oxidation process begins just after the sun-dried process when the coffee is at its freshest to produce:
- Dark roasts
- Medium roasts
- Flavored coffee – the flavor is either sprayed or powdered immediately after roasting.
Kona Coffee only produces 100% Kona products and no blended coffee. Beware as some scrupulous dealers sell Kona blended coffees.
Products
- 100% Kona Coffee Award Winning Estate Medium Roast
- 100% Kona Coffee Extra Fancy Private Reserve Medium Roast
- Estate Dark Roast 100% Kona Coffee
- 100% Kona Coffee Award Winning Estate Dark Roast
- Extra Fancy Dark Roast Kona Coffee
- 100% Kona Coffee Extra Fancy Private Reserve Dark Roast
- Estate Decaf Medium Roast 100% Kona Coffee
- 100% Kona Coffee Estate Decaffeinated Medium Roast
- Peaberry – Medium Roast
- Peaberry – Medium / Dark Roast
- Peaberry – Medium / Dark Roast
- USDA Certified Organic Estate Medium Roast 100% Kona Coffee
- USDA Certified Organic Extra Fancy – Medium Roast
- Medium Roast Variety Pack
2. Kicking Horse Coffee
Kicking Horse Coffee was established in the mid-nineties in a garage somewhere in the middle of nowhere out in the Canadian Rocky Mountains by Elana Rosenfeld who is still the CEO of the company
The company roasts and blends 100% certified Organic Fairtrade Arabica coffee beans producing light and dark roasted coffees that hold USDA organic certifications.
Products
- Whole Bean Coffee – The Bean. The Whole Bean. And Nothing But The Bean.
- Grizzly Claw – Rich / Dark Chocolate / Decadent
- Three Sisters – Smooth / Savory / Seductive
- Smart Ass – Cheeky / Bright / Precocious
- Kick-Ass – Sweet / Smoky / Audacious
- Decaf – Swiss Water Process
- 454 Horsepower – Velvety / Earthy / Spirited
- Three Sisters – Smooth / Savory / Seductive
3. Klatch
Klatch Coffee is a family-run business that was started by Mike Perry and his wife Cindy back in 1993. All coffees are produced from their offices in Southern California and shipped globally.
Today their 2 daughters are involved in the roasting business that has grown from strength to strength.
Mike Perry travels extensively around the globe sourcing the best organic coffee beans. These beans are used to produce grinds such as whole beans, French press, auto drip, and cone filters.
Selected beans are roasted and brewed by Klatch using the scientific process that Mike Perry developed using his background as a Chemical Engineer. This produces what Klatch calls their “peak of flavor method.”
The company has won several awards for its excellence in producing roasted coffee beans.
- Gear Patrol Top 25 Roasters in America 2019, 2021
- Good Foods Award Winner 2012, 2016,2017, 2020
- Coffee Review Top 10 Coffee of the Year 2018
- Golden Bean Overall Champion 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Products
Family Favorites
- Vino Blend – Baking Spice + Black Cherry + Plum
- Belle Espresso – Blackberry + Brandy + Chocolate
- El Salvador Las Mercedes Pepinal 1 – Cantaloupe + Caramel + Mandarin
- Crazy Goat Blend – Dark Chocolate + Spice + Toffee
- Organic House Espresso – Molasses + Toasted Marshmallow + Walnut
Other products
- Organic House Espresso – Molasses + Toasted Marshmallow + Walnut
- Hawaii Rusty’s Ka’u – Macadamia + Milk Chocolate + Molasses
- Lion’s Pride Blend – Heirloom Tomato + Lemon + Pear
- Brazil Klatch Diamond Reserve – Blood Orange + Chocolate + Vanilla
- Organic Sumatra Ratu Ketiara Mandheling Gr1 Fair Trade – Bell Pepper + Cacao + Cedar
- El Salvador Las Mercedes Pacamara Washed – Blood Orange + Caramel + Meringue
- Sumatra Mutu Batak – Bell Pepper + Cacao + Cedar
- Decaf Colombia Palo Rosa Sugarcane – Chocolate Cookie + Date + Lemon Verbena
- Belle Espresso – Blackberry + Brandy + Chocolate
- WBC World’s Best Espresso – Berry + Orange Citrus + Sweet Dark Chocolate
- Organic Honduras Manos De Mujer Washed Fair Trade – Chocolate + Red Apple + Toffee
4. Koa Coffee Plantation
Koa Coffee started as a grower and processor of Kona coffee in Hawaii. It was acquired by the Paradise Beverages DBA Hawaii Coffee Company in 2009 but was initially established as a coffee plantation in 1997.
The brand has received accolades over the years when it was producing and selling hand-picked Kona coffee which was 100% from the estate and included organic Kona coffee and the heritage blend. In 2001 the Koa Plantation was named America’s best coffee by Forbes.
Koa coffee is offered in several ranges including the Estate Kona Coffee, Grande Domaine Kona, Peaberry Kona Coffee, and Private Reserve Kona. There are several new offerings by the company that can be found in medium roast, dark roast, and decaffeinated options.
The beans to produce these beverages are hand-picked and expertly roasted. The coffee options are offered in both beans and ground coffee options.
5. Koffee Kult
Koffee Kult was started as a hobby in Florida in 2010 by Jamie Mardis who then searched globally for the best coffee beans that would produce the coffee suited to his taste buds.
The first batch, a 15-pound Ambex knock-off named Little Blue, beans were roasted in 2012. Little Blue was the first roasting machine the company-owned and could produce 18 pounds of roasted beans at a time.
As Jamie introduced the coffee to friends and family the demand for the coffee grew. In response to the demand, Jamie created a company called Center Stage Coffee.
Products
- Dark Roast Coffee Beans
- Medium Roast Coffee
- Thunder Bolt French Roast Coffee
- Colombia Huila Coffee
- Ethiopian Harrar Coffee
- Colombian Decaf – Water Process Chemical Free Coffee
- Tanzania Peaberry
- Sumatra Coffee
- Eye Cracker Espresso Beans
- Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee
- Costa Rican Naranjo La Rosa – Medium Roast Coffee
- Road Dog Coffee
- Brazil Cerrado
- Original Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee In Single Serve Cups
- Mr Coopers Fiesta En La Finca
- Original Koffee Kult Medium Roast Coffee In Single Serve Cups
- Brazil Mogiana Decaf – Chemical Free Decaf Coffee
- Frontera Decaf – Chemical Free Decaf Coffee
- Original Koffee Kult Colombia Decaf Coffee In Single Serve Cups
- Ethiopia Natural Yirga Cheffe Koke
- Koffee Kult’s Pin Pack
- Cult Coffee E115 Supreme Dark Roast Coffee Blend
- Las Lajas Cumbres Del Poas Black Honey Costa Rica
- Half Caff Dark Roast
6. Keurig
Keurig is a brand of coffee and coffee machines that are suitable for home and commercial use. The Keurig coffee machines are produced by the Keurig Dr. Pepper company based in America.
The primary offerings by the company are the K-Cup pods which are single-serve coffee pods, other beverage pods, and the machines produced to use with the pods.
The coffee company offers beverages that range from hot and cold coffees to cocoa, lemonades, cider, fruit-based drinks, and dairy-based beverages. Keurig offers over 400 beverage options through its own production as well as collaborations with its partner brands.
Keurig was founded in 1998 in Massachusetts and was initially targeting office workers who would need a strong coffee to get through the day.
Home-use brewers were introduced by the company in 2004 and, after the patent on the K-Cups expired, the brand shifted the production of their home brewers to only be compatible with Keurig-made coffee pods. The machines are offered in single-serve, SMART wi-fi enabled, brew over ice, and dual coffee makers.
7. Kenco Coffee
Kenco is one of the largest and most recognizable coffee brands in the UK, where it is estimated that over 4 million people enjoy Kenco coffee per year. There are many different flavors and variations, and the company offers everything from disposable pods to instant coffee.
While there are fresh coffee beans and disposable pod options available, instant coffee is by far the most popular product sold by the Kenco company. Kenco keeps things simple when it comes to naming and labeling its products, making the entire beverage experience a breeze for just about anyone.
One of the most popular flavors of Kenco instant coffee is simply named “Smooth.” It is intended to be served as a “breakfast blend” that is suitable for a wide variety of different tastes and preferences.
There is also a “Bold” flavor option for those who prefer to enjoy a stronger cup of instant coffee, as well as regional flavors like “Columbian.” The company also offers a decaf option, which is great for enjoying as a digestive after dinner.
Popular Kenco Instant Coffees:
- Kenco Smooth
- Kenco Bold
- Kenco Colombian
- Kenco Decaf
- Kenco Millicano Americano Original
- Kenco Millicano Americano Decaf
8. Kilimanjaro Coffee
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the country of Tanzania, and it is the sixth tallest mountain in the entire world. The coffee grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro is known worldwide for nutty-tasting notes like toasted almonds, and many consider it to be the best coffee on earth.
It is estimated that around 25 percent of all coffee produced in Tanzania comes from the Kilimanjaro region, though the area is responsible for the country’s best and most famous coffee beans. The area is well known for producing rich coffee that is full of nutty flavors.
There are many different companies that specialize in importing and selling coffee beans from the Mount Kilimanjaro region, and the most reputable companies on the market use ethical business practices to pay local farmers a fair rate for their coffee beans.
Top Labels of Kilimanjaro Coffee:
- Kilimanjaro Specialty Coffees
- World’s Greatest Coffees
- Grand Parade Imports
- Cafe Imports
- Volcanica Coffee Company
9. Komeda Coffee Shop
The first Komeda Coffee Shop was established in Japan in the late 1960s by a businessman named Tatsuo Komeda. Today, there are over 900 Komeda Coffee Shop locations all across Japan and their coffees and signature breakfasts have become a major part of Japanese coffee culture.
The prevalence of the Komeda Coffee Shop in Japan can only be compared to the popularity of the Starbucks chain in the United States, as both set the standard for coffee culture over the past few decades in their respective countries.
While the simple egg and toast breakfasts served at the Komeda Coffee Shop are extremely popular, the coffee menu helped revolutionize coffee culture in Japan. They offer a wide variety of American-style coffee selections, and many people attribute a large part of the company’s success to their commitment to quality customer service.
Many “regulars” at Komeda Coffee Shops in Japan frequent the chain daily before work, and it is not at all uncommon for employees to remember the orders of their most loyal customers. The shop offers a cozy interior with thoughtful design, and many people choose to use them as workspaces.
Most Popular Komeda Coffee Drinks:
- Drip Coffee
- Cappuccinos
- Lattes
- Iced Coffee
- Espresso
- Tea Drinks
10. Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak is one of the rarest and most expensive styles of coffee in the entire world. It is made by collecting coffee beans that have been eaten, partially digested, and excreted by a small Southeast Asian mammal called the civet.
Since the civet cannot fully digest the coffee beans, they are essentially left fully intact. Once they have been collected and properly cleaned from the feces of the civet, these coffee beans are known for producing incredibly rich and unique flavors and aromas.
The vast majority of Kopi Luwak production today takes place in Indonesia, where the beans must be hand collected in the jungle before being cleaned and processed. A single pound of Kopi Luwak can cost well over $500, and prices have been steadily increasing every year due to limited supply and increased demand.
While it used to be very tough to find Kopi Luwak coffee beans for sale, large online retailers like Amazon have made the product much more widely available. Many serious coffee enthusiasts claim that Kopi Luwak offers some of the best tasting notes in the world, and certain high end coffee shops have built their reputations on sourcing and serving it.
Top Labels of Kopi Luwak Coffee:
- Granell Cafes
- Monkey Business Coffee
- Shangri-La Coffee
- Wallacea Coffee
- Excelso Coffee
11. Krispy Kreme
The Krispy Kreme company is one of the largest doughnut and coffee chains in the entire United States. While many know the brand for its signature glazed doughnuts and bright red “Hot Now” flashing neon signs, the company also sells a massive amount of coffee every single day.
The Signature House Blend Coffee is by far the most popular item on the drink menu at Krispy Kreme, and it is considered by many to be the perfect complement for a sweet and rich doughnut. There are also many different espresso-based drinks on the Krispy Kreme menu, including lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
Krispy Kreme coffee beans are also available for purchase at many different grocery stores and online retailers like Amazon. Coffee beans can be purchased whole or pre-ground, and there are also Krispy Kreme coffee pods available for Keurig machines.
Most Popular Krispy Kreme Coffees:
- Signature House Blend Coffee
- Classic Medium Roast Coffee
- Original Glazed Donut Roast
- Classic Decaf Coffee
12. Kenyan Coffee
Kenya is one of the most popular and sought-after coffee regions in the entire world, and the coffee beans produced there has a reputation for delivering huge amounts of bright and fruity acidity. Kenyan coffee is widely available and is fairly affordable compared to other exotic styles of coffee.
There are specialty companies that have built their entire businesses around importing and exporting coffee beans to and from Kenya, making it easy to find high-quality and ethically sourced Kenyan coffee beans online and at grocery stores.
According to the most recent available statistics, the country of Kenya ranks number 16 in the world when it comes to total coffee production. Many coffee enthusiasts only drink Kenyan coffee, and request it at local coffee shops whenever it is available.
13. Kent Coffee Beans
Kent Coffee Beans are a specialty strain of Arabica beans that are most often grown and harvested in East Africa. Kent coffee beans are delicate and balanced, and some people who prefer bolder coffees have called it “mild.”
The tasting notes in Kent coffee range from floral to slightly fruity, and there is a balanced amount of acidity and flavor. While this style of coffee beans used to be very popular throughout Africa, they can be much tougher to find these days.
The decline in popularity when it comes to Kent coffee beans can largely be attributed to the rise of the Typica and Bourbon coffee styles. It is still enjoyed often in Tanzania, and many farmers use Kent coffee as a mild breakfast blend to start the day.
14. K7 Coffee Beans
The K7 Strain of coffee beans is another sub-variety of Arabica coffee that originated in Africa. It is particularly well known for its natural resistance to diseases like coffee berry disease. For this reason, it has been used in many African coffee breeding programs to help produce some of the best coffees in the world.
While this particular strain of coffee beans can be notoriously difficult to track down, there are certain specialty coffee shops that often carry it. K7 is most often bred with other African coffee beans, and it is very rare to find a “100 percent” K7 coffee roast.
There are many plant and coffee enthusiasts who have taken to growing K7 coffee plants at home, and it can actually be easier to find K7 coffee plants compared to roasted coffee beans. K7 coffee and plants are most often found in Kenya, and it is considered by locals to be an essential piece of Kenyan coffee culture.
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