About the

Hawaii Food Industry Assocation

HFIA is the premier organization committed to an effective and efficient system to provide Hawaii consumers the highest of quality products, with a powerful and positive impact to Hawaii’s social, economic, and legislative environment.

Toby TaniguchiPresident & COO, KTA Super Stores

About HFIA

Established in 1972, the Hawaii Food Industry Association (HFIA) is a 501(C)(6) non-profit trade association whose mission is to improve conditions in the Hawaii food and beverage industry by actively promoting the strength, sustainability and resilience of Hawaii's food and beverage retailers and suppliers through highly effective advocacy, networking, education and industry and community relations.

HFIA has been the leading voice of Hawaii’s Food Industry for over 50 years. HFIA represents over 200 member companies, including retailers, manufacturers, distributors, brokers and others connected to Hawaii’s food industry. HFIA serves as a liaison between the community and the food supply chain. Our vision and passion is building a strong, sustainable and resilient food industry in Hawai‘i.

VISION

A strong, sustainable and resilient food industry in Hawai‘i.

MISSION

The purpose of the Association is to improve conditions in the Hawaii food and beverage industry by actively promoting the strength, sustainability and resilience of Hawaii's food and beverage retailers and suppliers through highly effective advocacy, networking, education and industry and community relations.

• Advocacy: Promote up to three proactive and positive legislative proposals. Ensure members are informed about proposed regulatory changes that impact their business.
• Networking: Offer high value events for members to connect and share their experience, knowledge, and insights.
• Education: Offer educational experiences for member companies and member employees to advance their knowledge and skills so that they may advance the food supply chain towards stronger more sustainable and resilient future.
• Industry and Community Relations: Create opportunities for member companies to share information with other members and the broader community about available technologies, programs, services, and events that promote strength, sustainability, and resilience in our food supply chain.

VALUES

• Integrity: Carry out all our work with the greatest responsibility and accountability.
• Service: Benefit the public and our stakeholders.
• Sustainability: Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Preserve a livable environment and enable local businesses to thrive.
• Resilience: Work with the entire food supply chain, non-profits, and government to ensure that, in times of crisis, we can ensure food security.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Enhance a diverse, equitable and inclusive food system.

Board of Directors

RETAILERS


KTA Super Stores, Toby Taniguchi
Foodland, Maxine Parker
Tamura Super Market, Charlie Gustafson
7-Eleven Hawaii, Blake Yokotake
ABC Stores, Paul Kosasa

SUPPLIERS

Dole Foods, Bryce Zane
L.H. Gamble Co., Scott Gamble
Pint Size Hawaii LLC, Eddie Asato
Wholesale Unlimited, Wayne Yamada
RNDC, Hugh Duncan
Pepsi, Ryan Sobota
The Odom Corp. (Coca Cola/ AB), Joe Carter
Mahi Pono, Jayson Watts

ASSOCIATES

Hawaii Energy, Caroline Carl
American Savings Bank, Larry Ishii
Pasha Hawaii, Mike Ohashi
Matson, Brian Gomes
Trade Media Hui, Jay Higa

HFIA Executive Officers

Eddie Asato

Chair
The Pint Size Corp.

Gary Okimoto

Vice Chair
Safeway

Maile Miyashiro

Secretary/ Treasurer
C&S Wholesale

Lauren Zirbel

President & Executive Director
Hawaii Food Industry Association

John Schilf

Advisor
Rainbow Sales and Marketing

Paul Kosasa

Advisor
ABC Stores

Derek Kurisu

Advisor
KTA Superstores

Toby Taniguchi

Advisor
KTA Superstores

Joe Carter

Advisor
The Odom Corp. (Coca Cola/ AB)

Charlie Gustafson

Immediate Past Chairman
Tamura's Super Market