2014 Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest winners announced

“Ulu was my inspiration,” said John Cadman about his winning recipe, Maui `Ulu Hummus. “It’s a very versatile ingredient. I’ve been making pies with it, and thought hummus was a natural.” Pictured: Recipe contest judge Kamaunu Kahaialii presents Cadman with his 1st place certificate.

Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) proudly announces the winners of their 2014 Hawaii Food Products Recipe Contest, which was held this past Saturday, April 5th during the Maui County Ag Festival at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu. 

John Cadman of Haiku took 1st place for his Maui `Ulu Hummus, KimAnn Magno of Lahaina captured 2nd place with her Lilikoi Butter, and Joseph Kanahuna of Haiku took 3rd place with his Papa Joe’s Chili Pepper Water – Special. 

“For years I’ve been practicing using lilikoi,” said KimAnn Magno. “Now we sell our products, including my Lilikoi Butter, at the Laniopoko’s farmers market.”

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 1st place winner will receive consultation services valued at $1,500, 2nd place services valued at $500, and 3rd place services valued at $250.

Joseph Kanahuna’s love for chili pepper water inspired his winning recipe. 

A total of 16 entries were submitted which included beer bread, crackers, macadamia cheeses, herb butter, sauces, candies, and even chocolate covered beef jerky.  Recipes were judged on taste, appearance, commercial viability of recipe, and the best use of Hawaii grown and/or made ingredients. 

This year’s contest judges were Gary Butler, Produce Manager for Mana Foods; Nina Ann Tanabe, Consultant at Pacific Food Technology; Kamaunu Kahaialii, General Manager 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.