Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest winners announced

“For years, I’ve been practicing using lilikoi,” said KimAnn Magno. “Now we sell our products, including my Lilikoi Butter, at the Launiupoko Farmers’ Market.”
KAHULUI – Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) announced the winners of its 2014 Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest, which was held during the Maui County Ag Festival in Waikapu.
John Cadman of Haiku took first place for his Maui `Ulu Hummus, KimAnn Magno of Lahaina captured second place with her Lilikoi Butter, and Joseph Kanahuna of Haiku took third with his Papa Joe’s Chili Pepper Water-Special.
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.
Cadman will receive consultation services valued at $1,500 ($500 for Magno and $250 for Kanahuna).
A total of 16 entries were submitted, including beer bread, crackers, macadamia cheeses, herb butter, sauces, candies, and even chocolate covered beef jerky.
Recipes were judged on taste, appearance, commercial viability of the recipe, and the best use of Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients.
This year’s contest judges were Gary Butler of Mana Foods, Nina Ann Tanabe of Pacific Food Technology, Kamaunu Kahaialii of Hui Ho`omo`a, and Carla Tracy, food editor of The Maui News.
“We were very impressed with the diversity of recipes,” said Luana Mahi, president of the Maui Food Technology Center.
“Not only were they all ono, which attests to the talent of these individuals, but these foods also offered creative uses of locally made and/or grown products. We look forward to working with the winners in helping them bring their products to store shelves.”
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.
For more information, visit www.MauiFoodTechnology.org.