Food Tech ‘1st Annual Supply and Service Expo’ to Kick-Off

By Maui Now Staff

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Maui Food Technology Center will hold the 1st Annual Supply and Service Expo at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dr. Aurora Saulo, professor and extension specialist in food technology with the University of Hawaii Maui College, and Marc McDowell, executive chef at Makena Resort. Courtesy photos.

Organizers say it’s an opportunity for new or existing food producers wanting assistance with the many challenges of developing a product and getting it into the marketplace.

They say it’s also for entrepreneurs planning to expand their network opportunities and resources, and consumers interested in attending the tradeshow and hearing the latest from experts in the food manufacturing, distribution and hospitality industries.

The tradeshow is comprised of national, state and local service providers and will feature manufacturers and distributors of food, ingredients, equipment and packaging supplies; dealers, brokers and traders; business services and educational groups that work with the food and hospitality industries.

Listed speakers for the event include: Dr. Aurora Saulo, professor and extension specialist in food technology with the University of Hawaii Maui College on “Food Safety Certified: What Does That Mean?”; Marc McDowell, executive chef of Makena Resort on “Developing Local Products From Start To Finish”; Marty Parisien, co-owner/CEO at Singing Dog Vanilla on “Social Media Zen,” and Mike Abrams, MFTC founder and owner of Flavor Waves, on “Networking for Flavor Success.”

Door prizes will be drawn throughout the event, and attendees are also eligible to win a 32 GB i-Pad Mini. The first 100 people will receive a free expo tote. Public admission is free.

Major event sponsors include: County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Fred Baldwin Memorial Fund, Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development, The Maui News, KPOA-93.5 FM, MauiNow.com, and Maui Printing Company.

Since the Maui Food Technology Center’s establishment in 2004, the non-profit organization has been focused on growing Hawaii’s food industry, says its president, Luana Mahi.

For more information on becoming an exhibitor and/or attending the Supply and Service Expo, visit www.MauiFoodTechnology.org or call 888-948-6382.