HACA joins nearly 20 statewide partners in formalizing a collaborative framework through the Food & Product Innovation Network, building on its ongoing investment in Hawaii’s value-added food entrepreneurs.
The Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) is deepening its role in Hawaii’s growing food innovation ecosystem through a statewide partnership designed to help local food entrepreneurs scale their products and expand market opportunities.
At the 4th Annual Hawaʻi Made Conference, hosted by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), HACA joined nearly 20 public and private sector partners in signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Food & Product Innovation Network (FPIN).
The agreement formalizes a collaborative framework that helps local food entrepreneurs and manufacturers move from concept to commercialization by expanding access to technical expertise, shared production facilities, workforce development, financing opportunities, and market connections.
The partnership also reflects work HACA has already been investing in for several years. Through its Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship, HACA helps Hawaii-based value-added food entrepreneurs build the skills needed to move from home kitchens and small-batch production toward commercial manufacturing and broader market opportunities.
Developed in partnership with Leeward Community College and the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, the scholarship provides financial assistance for entrepreneurs participating in Leeward CC’s 12-week Aina to Makeke program. By the end of 2026, HACA will have awarded $104,000 in scholarships to roughly 120 local entrepreneurs, strengthening Hawaii’s food manufacturing sector while creating new opportunities for Hawaii-grown, raised, and caught ingredients to become successful value-added products.
The MOA also builds on a partnership that has been taking shape throughout the year. In February, HACA partnered with the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to host the inaugural Food & Product Innovation Network Day at the Hawaii State Capitol, where more than 20 alumni of HACA’s Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise Scholarship showcased Hawaii-made value-added food products alongside fellow local producers. The event brought together legislators, agency leaders, and industry partners to demonstrate how value-added product development can strengthen local supply chains, support food security, and create new pathways for economic diversification.
HACA’s role within FPIN reflects its unique position connecting agriculture, culinary education, hospitality, and the marketplace. Alongside partners including DBEDT, ADC, the University of Hawaii System, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Department of Health, and other public and private organizations, HACA helps bridge the gap between developing innovative food products and creating opportunities for them to succeed.
While many know HACA as the nonprofit organization behind the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival®, its work extends well beyond its signature event. Revenue generated through the Festival is reinvested into year-round workforce development and entrepreneurship initiatives that support local food producers, culinary professionals, hospitality workers, and students across Hawaii.
As Hawaii continues investing in food innovation, partnerships like FPIN help ensure entrepreneurs aren’t navigating that journey alone. For HACA, it’s another opportunity to connect education, entrepreneurship, and industry—creating stronger pathways for local businesses while reinforcing a more resilient and locally driven food system for Hawaii.
FPIN Partners
The Food & Product Innovation Network includes the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT); Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC); Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC); Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA); University of Hawaii System; Department of Education; Department of Health; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Transportation; Department of the Attorney General; Kyo-ya Management Company; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance; Hawaii Agricultural Foundation; International Shoppes; Norwegian Cruise Line; HMSHost; and other statewide partners working together to strengthen Hawaii’s food innovation ecosystem.