Wahiawā, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi – January 14, 2024 - University of Hawaiʻi Leeward Community College Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) will be exhibiting at the upcoming 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show, the kickoff event of the food industry’s annual cycle, produced by the Specialty Food Association and offering thousands of diverse makers, buyers, brokers, distributors, and industry professionals from across the U.S. and the globe three days of delicious product discovery, networking, and business opportunities.
The WVAPDC and its participating ʻĀina to Mākeke entrepreneurs will showcase a variety of innovative food and beverage products that highlight the unique flavors of Hawaiʻi. Located in the Incubator Village, a dedicated space for first-time exhibitors, these entrepreneurs will introduce their unique creations to a global audience. Visit us in Booth #IV35 through #IV82 to explore the flavors of Hawaiʻi and learn more about these pioneering businesses.
The 49th Winter Fancy Food Show returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 19-21 and will feature more than 90,000 specialty foods and beverages from global makers. Participants will also gain access to real-time insights from the SFA Trendspotter Panel, educational programming and panels on the Main Stage, and the new Debut District area featuring first-time exhibitors, brand-new products, incubators, and startups.
“The Winter Fancy Food Show offers an incredible opportunity to showcase Hawaiʻiʻs rich food heritage and innovative spirit on a global stage. Our ʻĀina to Mākeke entrepreneurs represent the best of local creativity, sustainability, and dedication to quality. Leeward Community College is proud to support these businesses as they share their unique flavors of Hawaiʻi with the world,” says Leeward Community College Chancellor Carlos Penaloza.
The WVAPDC will be exhibiting with eight food entrepreneurs who have completed University of Hawai‘i Leeward Community College’s ʻĀina to Mākeke or University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Food Innovation Center’s business incubator programs.
Any Kine SNAX – Any Kine SNAX is a Hawaiʻi-owned, small family business that was started in 2020 from a desire to share our fun and tasty freeze-dried candies and treats with family and friends. View their website here.
Galleon Chocolates – We are a Maui-based chocolatier specializing in bold and innovative chocolates that celebrate Filipino and Hawaiian flavors. View their website here.
Hawaiian Krunch Company – Our artisanal small batch granolas feature four of Hawaiʻi’s indigenous canoe crops: Kalo (taro), ‘Ulu (breadfruit), ‘Uala (sweet potato), and Niu (coconut). We proudly source 80% of our ingredients from local, Hawaiʻi farmers. View their website here.
Hawaiian Vinegar Co. – Hawaiian Vinegar Co.’s unique, artisanal vinegars and shrubs are crafted from locally sourced seasonal fruits and produce. Our unique Hawaiian flavors support sustainability by upcycling excess and off-grade produce, as well as by-products. View their website here.
Hometown BBQ – Our craft BBQ sauces feature Hawaiʻi-grown fruits and unique local flavors. View their Instagram here.
Island Rayne Gourmet – Our craft hot sauces showcase bold, island-inspired flavors. View their Instagram here.
Island Sausage – Artisanal quality salami and snack sticks with local flavors and flair by Hawaiʻi’s only salami producer. View their website here.
Mauka Meats – Premium, locally sourced meats, sausages and bone broth, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and supporting Hawaiian agriculture. View their website here.
Attendees are invited to visit University of Hawaiʻi Leeward Community College and the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center and our ‘Āina to Mākeke entrepreneurs at Booths #IV35 through #IV82 to explore these unique products and learn how we’re advancing Hawaiʻi’s food industry on the global stage.
About the WVAPDC:
The Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) is a project of the University of Hawaiʻi Leeward Community College and the State of Hawaiʻi, contributing to the growth of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry and entrepreneurial community through:
- Premier educational programming to students and community members, empowering Hawaiʻi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for generations to come.
- Increased opportunities for local farmers and growers to sell their products to value-added producers.
- Supporting local entrepreneurs to incubate their business through access to small business resources, production kitchens and in-house product and process development.
The WVAPDC is a 33,000 square foot food manufacturing facility located in Wahiawā in Central Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi. Our center is a resource for food entrepreneurship and education. We offer product development consultation services, lab testing and production kitchens.
We serve Hawaiʻi’s processors, entrepreneurs, farmers and students focused on developing and creating food products. This initiative aligns with the State of Hawaiʻi and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) efforts to diversify the local economy. By introducing Hawaiʻi-made products to a larger audience, the WVAPDC provides a platform for entrepreneurial growth and fosters export opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s unique agricultural and value-added products.
For more information about WVAPDC visit our website, or email [email protected] and follow us on Instagram.
For additional media contact, please contact WVAPDC Manager, Chris Bailey at [email protected].