KAHULUI — Small food entrepreneurs will receive helpful information during a webinar on “Food Labeling, Safety Plans and Exporting to Japan” on Thursday, June 24, from 2 to 3 p.m. presented by Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC).

“Many small food entrepreneurs are looking for ways to grow their business,” said Luana Mahi, MFTC president and owner of Hawaiian Isles Unlimited LLC.

“In this webinar, industry experts will provide helpful tips and resources to help them succeed in today’s marketplace.”

Topics include:

“Ins and Outs of Exporting to Japan” presented by Neal Arakaki, president of Jaxie Corporation. He will address how to determine if your business is export-capable; the latest food export regulations; how to streamline logistics, invoicing and payment systems; and what you need to know about exporting to Japan?

“MFTC Technical Services” presented by Nina Ann Tanabe, MS, CFS; owner of Food Safety Services Hawaii LLC. She will share what kinds of services the MFTC offers, what kinds of tests you can do, what information needs to be on a food label and if nutrition information is a requirement.

“Food Safety Planning – HACCP” presented by John Nakashima, RS, PCQI, owner of Food Safety Services Hawaii LLC. He will address what the state Department of Health requires from all food manufacturers, what HACCP is and why it’s needed.

Arakaki is an experienced contractor handling promotional projects for the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (domestically and internationally).

He has assisted over 40 Hawaii companies in developing export systems to Japan.

Tanabe has over 35 years of experience in the areas of product development, regulatory compliance, ingredient and equipment sourcing and specifications, lean manufacturing and plant layout. Nakashima has over 30 years of experience as a food safety education specialist and trainer with the Hawaii Department of Health.

To register for the webinar, e-mail info@mauifoodtechnology.org.

The Maui Food Technology Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated primarily to assisting value-added entrepreneurs through economic diversification. MFTC has extensive experience in helping companies with technical and business solutions. It has also helped companies (including non-food) participate in and export their products at trade shows in Japan.