On September 6-8, 2017, Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) participated in Japan’s largest gift fair, the 83rd Tokyo International Gift Show. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Hall in Tokyo, this year’s event, themed “Creation and Discover,” attracted over 354,000 buyers and 2,597 exhibitors, including 276 companies from 13 countries and regions.
MFTC procured booth spaces for four Maui County businesses to sell their products in the Hawaii Pavilion. Many of those selected were Made in Maui County Festival vendors who had completed Maui Food Technology Center’s export readiness training program. Vendors who participated were: Zellee Organic, Maui Upcountry Jams & Jellies, Maui Preserved, Wrappily, Zen Island Kitchen, Maui Winery and Maui Nui Wear.
MFTC extends a big mahalo to Neal Arakaki of Jaxie Corporation who worked with the event’s Japan coordinators and to DBEDT and the County of Maui who provided marketing opportunities for Maui County businesses to participate at an affordable cost. For some companies, it was their first experience marketing to an international audience.
“Maui County’s businesses experienced great success at this year’s Gift Show,” said Luana Mahi, MFTC President and CEO. “With support from DBEDT and Maui County, our islands’ small companies had an opportunity to showcase their goods, received feedback from business interested in their products, obtained serious leads, signed contracts, closed sales, and made contacts for future sales. Participating in this show was all about opening doors for these companies.”