Foodland Amplifies Commitment to Local with Mana Up Partnership and Exclusive Product Launch

As part of its longstanding commitment to local sourcing, Foodland has partnered with Mana Up, a local accelerator focused on growing Hawaii-based products globally. As part of this partnership, Foodland is launching the new product line from Manele Spice Company created by Food Network star and local celebrity chef, Adam Tabura.

 

The partnership between Foodland and Mana Up is geared toward providing the know-how, connections, and resources to grow more Hawaii-based products and give them access to local consumers and visitors through Foodland stores. As Hawaii's largest locally owned grocery retailer, founded in 1948, Foodland brings much to the table to support entrepreneurs in their quest for expansion and opportunity.

 

A first example of Foodland and Mana Up’s collaboration is the launch of Manele Spice Co., which combines Hawaii ocean rock salt with the highest quality natural ingredients from around the world. The salt blends feature familiar flavors of Hawaii, including names like Manele Bay Everyday Blend and Backyard Imu Smoked Salt Blend. Tabura, “Cutthroat Kitchen” contestant and winner of the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” with Aloha Plate, has been the executive chef for some of Hawaii’s top resorts and restaurants and is originally from Lanai where he spent much of his childhood at Manele Bay. Manele Spice Co’s first line of products will be available exclusively at all Foodland stores in Hawaii, including Foodland Farms.

 

“Our partnership with Mana Up will provide local entrepreneurs a strong pipeline to test and market their products to local consumers and visitors, while also giving Foodland customers the opportunity to try new, exciting and innovative offerings from locally based companies,” said Foodland Chairman and CEO Jenai S. Wall. “As a local company, we believe it’s important that we do our part to ensure the success of these young local businesses and are proud to support them.”

Manele Spice Company products can be found at all Foodland stores across the state. Chef Tabura is scheduled to appear at the following stores for demos and product tastings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• December 6: Foodland Farms Aina Haina

• December 11: Foodland Farms Pearl City

• December 13: Foodland Farms Ala Moana

• December 14: Foodland Kehalani, Maui 

“We’re hopeful that this partnership will provide the testing ground and in-your-backyard validation and act as a launch pad for our local companies to expand internationally from right here in Hawaii. This partnership is a great example of what can be done when we work together as a community and leverage each other’s strengths,” said Mana Up Co-founder Meli James.