Kona Coffee Plantation, a Big Island coffee grower, has been named one of the world's best specialty coffees during an international competition in Minneapolis.

The Keauhou-based grower placed 12th in a cupping competition with more than 120 other coffee producers during the Specialty Coffee Association of America's 2008 Roasters Guild Coffee of the Year Competition. The SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association.

It wasn't the first time Hawai'i coffees have ranked among the top brews in the world. Last year Ka'u Farm & Ranch Co. placed in the sixth and ninth spots in the competition.

Kona Coffee Plantation couldn't be reached for comment, but its Web site says the plantation coffee is grown on 35 of its 70 acres on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa.

C.I. Racafe & CIA S.C.A. of Columbia took first place in the competition judging coffees on fragrance, aroma, taste, flavor, aftertaste and body.