Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Business Development and Support Division successfully hosted the fourth annual Hawaiʻi Made Conference at Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort.
The 2026 conference centered on the theme “Driving the Future of Food Innovation” and brought together Hawaiʻi farmers, value‑added producers, food manufacturers, entrepreneurs, supply‑chain partners and resource providers for a full day focused on accelerating local food product development and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s growing food innovation ecosystem.
Highlighted during the event was the Food and Product Innovation Network — a coordinated statewide initiative aligning training, product development support, shared production facilities, financing pathways and market‑entry resources for Hawaiʻi producers.
Remarks from Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka kicked off the event, with the official emphasizing the department’s commitment to guiding local businesses from idea to market by connecting them with technical experts and cross‑sector partners.
Oʻahu state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz also addressed attendees, underscoring the value of providing businesses with resources throughout food safety, development, financing, branding and market strategy.
“This year’s Hawaiʻi Made Conference demonstrated the power of bringing producers, educators and industry partners together under a shared vision,” said Tokioka in a state release after the event. “When we align our resources and expertise, we create real momentum for Hawaiʻi’s food innovation economy.”
Conference sessions covered a range of topics including:
- Educational pathways and entrepreneurial resources for early‑stage businesses.
- Food safety requirements, processing standards, labeling rules and regulatory compliance.
- Shared‑use facilities, commercialization programs and value‑added manufacturing.
- Financing options from private, public and nonprofit partners.
- Hawaiʻi Made brand value and market positioning.
- Go‑to‑market strategies including distribution, logistics, marketing and export readiness.
A major highlight of the day was signing of the Food and Product Innovation Network memorandum of agreement, bringing together 20 state departments, agencies and education partners.
The agreement establishes a collaborative framework to expand access to technical expertise, advanced equipment and commercialization support, ultimately strengthening Hawaiʻi’s food innovation capacity and market resilience.
“The signing of the Food and Product Innovation Network agreement represents a major step forward,” said Business Development and Support Division Administrator Dennis Ling in the state release. “By strengthening statewide coordination, we’re making it easier for producers to access technical support, shared facilities and market pathways.”
Ling added that as global markets evolve, Hawaiʻi must continue investing in innovation, technology and talent.
Conversations and partnerships that happened during the 2026 Hawaiʻi Made Conference reaffirm the state’s commitment to positioning Hawaiʻi as a leader in food innovation.
Luncheon keynote presentation “From Hawaiʻi to Global Markets: Entrepreneurship, Business Differentiation and Innovation in the Future of Food” was delivered by globally recognized food innovation and commercialization expert and BlueNalu Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Lou Cooperhouse.
Cooperhouse previously collaborated with University of Hawaiʻi to support the Maui Food Innovation Center.
“Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurs are building the next generation of food products that reflect our culture, creativity and values,” Tokioka said. “The state’s role is to ensure they have the tools, training and connections they need to succeed from concept to commercialization.”
Screenshot from Courtesy Video: Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism- Screenshot from Courtesy Video: Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Attendees throughout the day also visited the Mākeke marketplace, which featured Hawaiʻi made products, vendor displays and organizations offering business support programs.
“The enthusiasm we saw at the Mākeke marketplace reflects the incredible diversity and talent within Hawaiʻi’s maker community,” said Agribusiness Development Corporation Food and Product Innovation Network Manager ʻĀnela Akana in the state release. “It’s inspiring to see so many businesses turning ideas into viable products that can scale locally and globally.”
