Cultivating the Next Generation of Hawaii Food Producers and Entrepreneurs
Since 2020, the Hawaii Ag & Culinary Alliance has worked with local entrepreneurs that utilize Hawai’i-grown, raised or caught ingredients to scale their products from the cottage industry to commercial enterprise.
In partnership with Leeward Community College (LCC) and the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, ChefZone presents From Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise, a program in cooperation with the State of Hawaii designed to incubate local businesses and set them up on a path to success. Each entrepreneur in the cohort receives a scholarship to LCC’s 12-week Aina to Makeke course, developed to bring food products to market and build successful food businesses.
ChefZone is proud to introduce and host businesses and products incubated in this invaluable program.
Mauka Meats
Mauka Meats offers sustainably sourced meat from local ranches, farmers and hunters that are processed under USDA inspection. They were in Cohort 3 of the Cottage Industry to Commercial Enterprise program. ChefZone is pleased to begin offering Mauka Meats products to our customers which include different cuts of Moloka‘i venison – rib racks, striploin, tenderloin and shanks.
Hawaiian Krunch Company
Hawaiian Krunch Company utilizes four of Hawaii’s canoe crops: kalo (taro), ulu (breadfruit), uala (sweet potato) and niu (coconut) in its locally made granola. More than 80% of ingredients are locally sourced from Hawaii. They were in Cohort 2 of the Cottage Industry and Commercial Enterprise cohort and three varieties kalo, ulu and uala krunch granola are now available at ChefZone.
Twisted Lumpia
Twisted Lumpia is a local brand serving up sweet and savory lumpia — perfect as a pupu, snack, or meal. Sold frozen and ready to fry at home, they’re a must-have for any gathering. A graduate of the Cottage Industry & Commercial Enterprise Cohort 2, their popular Pastele and Banana Cream Lumpia are available at ChefZone.
Hawaiian Soda Company
Hawaiian Soda Company offers a healthier, island-inspired alternative to traditional soda. Made with real fruit juice and no added sugar or artificial flavors, each sip delivers a tropical escape. Based in Honolulu and proudly AAPI-owned, they’re a graduate of the Cottage Industry & Commercial Enterprise Cohort 2. ChefZone is the first retailer in Hawai‘i to carry their sodas by the case.
uCook Hawaii
Founded with a mission to share Hawai‘i’s flavors with the world, uCook Hawaii creates high-quality sauces, marinades, and dressings that make cooking fast, easy, and flavorful. Partnering with local farmers, they use island-grown ingredients for freshness and sustainability. A graduate of Cottage Industry & Commercial Enterprise Cohort 5, their lineup includes Kau Orange Sauce, Lemongrass Marinade, and Garlic Marinade.
Island Sausage
Island Sausage crafts locally made sausages on O‘ahu, perfect for backyard BBQs or elevating everyday meals. A graduate of Cottage Industry & Commercial Enterprise Cohort 3, their bold flavors include Ginger Miso, Char Siu, and Spicy Korean Portuguese Sausage.
For J’s Hawaii
Founded in 2001, For J’s Hawaii, Inc. offers their locally crafted Hawaiian Chili Oil Dressing at ChefZone. A graduate of Cottage Industry & Commercial Enterprise Cohort 3, this dressing perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a touch of heat from Big Island chili peppers.
Program Supported By
