KAHULUI – Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest organizers seek new, locally made food products that utilize Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients. Sponsored by the Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC), the contest will be held during next month’s Maui County Ag Festival at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.

For an official contest entry form, visit www.MauiFoodTechnology.org or call (808) 948-MFTC (6382). Send completed entry forms via e-mail to info@MauiFoodTechnology.org or fax them to (888) 887-4495 no later than April 2.

Six servings of the product must be delivered between 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, to the Grand Taste Education Tent at the Maui County Ag Festival.

Recipes will be judged on taste, appearance, commercial viability of the recipe, and the best use of Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients. The more local ingredients, the more points will be awarded.

Hawaii residents 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter. Each entry form must include a list of ingredients in the recipe, specify the Hawaii ingredients and include a short story about the product.

Winners will receive assistance from MFTC consultants with nutritional label or food science services to help them take their product from idea to the store shelves.

The top three finishers will receive consultation services valued at $1,500, $500 and $250, respectively.

“We’re very fortunate to have exceptional products grown and made right here in Hawaii along with a large pool of culinary talent,” said Luana Mahi, MFTC president. “We look forward to assisting Hawaii’s chefs and entrepreneurs bring their food product ideas to market.”

Maui Food Technology Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to growing Hawaii’s food industry, connecting students, food producers and farmers through the practice of food science.