KAHULUI — Maui Food Technology Center’s (MFTC) online webinar series in December 2021 will feature industry experts providing helpful tips and resources to help you succeed in today’s marketplace. Three workshops will be offered on exporting to Japan, food safety and food labeling.

The registration fee is $10. To register, visit www.mauifoodtechnology.org/webinars. For questions, e-mail info@mauifoodtechnology.org.

MFTC’s Exporting to Japan Workshop will be held on Friday, Dec. 3, from noon to 1 p.m. In this workshop, Neal Arakaki, president of Jaxie Corporation, will share the ins and outs of exporting to Japan and what you’ll need in your business toolbox to break into this market.

Topics will include how to determine if your business is export capable or ready; what you need to know when participating in Japan trade shows; the latest food export regulations; how to streamline logistics; and what pricing strategies work for the Japan market.

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

The Food Safety Plan Workshop will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. John Nakashima, owner of Food Safety Services Hawaii LLC, will share what goes into creating a sound food safety plan and how these efforts will protect not only you, but your customers.

Topics will include the type of food safety plan you need for your business; HACCP vs FSMA and how these programs impact you; what information is needed in a food safety plan; and the pros and cons of DIY vs outsourcing,

Nakashima has over 30 years of experience as a food safety education specialist and trainer with the Hawaii Department of Health.

The Food Labeling Workshop will be held on Friday, Dec. 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. In this workshop, Nina Ann Tanabe, principal of Pacific Food Technology LLC, will share the latest on food labeling and how this can be a game-changer for food manufacturers.

Topics will include who needs a food label; what products federal agencies (USDA, FDA and TTB) cover; the FDA’s mandatory requirements for food labeling; and the labeling deadlines for the USDA and FDA.

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.

The Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) 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.

For information, visit www.mauifoodtechnology.org or email info@mauifoodtechnology.org.