‘Hawaii Made’ Conference aims to elevate state’s food innovators

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — A food innovation conference in Waikiki this Tuesday, June 23, aims to help local farmers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers grow their businesses.

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The Hawaii Made Conference is an annual event hosted by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Business Development and Support Division to support Hawaii-made products and the businesses behind them.

Anela Akana, food and product innovation network manager, and Jina Wye, owner of Okonokai Sea Snacks, joined HNN’s Sunrise to discuss the upcoming event at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort and its impact on local food producers.

“It’s a great support network. I actually attended last year and developed a number of relationships that has helped take my business to the next level,” Wye said.

Wye says the conference highlights things you should look at as a small business owner, such as packaging, product development and advertising.

“It just gives you an opportunity to work with different entrepreneurs and resources that helps you move your business forward,” Wye said.

Akana says the state’s Food and Product Innovation Network is a collaborative effort to bring local resources to local businesses so they can access labeling and packaging, food product development, and new markets.

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The conference will offer resources, networking and guidance for businesses looking to take their products to the next level.

Attendees can expect a full day of sessions and resource connections, along with real-world examples from local businesses.

Topics include food safety, processing, labeling, financing, Hawaii Made branding, distribution, logistics, marketing and export readiness.

The event will also feature a makeke marketplace with Hawaii-made products, vendor displays and organizations offering support programs.

Vendors include Kokoval (Maui), Hawaii Candy Inc., Okonokai Sea Snacks, Hawaiian Vinegar & Spice Co., Maui Cookie Lady, Maui Bone Broth, Haleiwa Coffee Roasters and more.

Registration and the makeke open at 8 a.m., and the program begins at 8:30 a.m.

Registration costs $75 for Oahu attendees and $40 for neighbor island and student attendees.

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To sign up, visit invest.hawaii.gov.