MFTC showcases Maui businesses during 94th Tokyo International Gift Show
The Japanese love their pets and there were many inquiries for HumBOWbarks, who participated in the TIGS show for the first time.
Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) participated in the 94th Tokyo International Gift Show (TIGS) held in Tokyo in September 7-9. TIGS is Japan’s largest B2B Lifestyle and Gift Trade Show. Held at the Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Hall in Tokyo, this year’s event attracted about 133,000 buyers, wholesalers, and distributors.
The Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) sponsored the Hawaii Pavilion at the show. Hawaii-made products were on display in 22 booths along with a large display of manufactured foods from Hawaii. Selected food products as well as Hawaiian plate lunches were available for sale.
MFTC showcased the following Maui companies in their booths at TIGS:
HumBOWbarks – pet bows, bandanas, and lei
Kawai Ali’i Designs – custom jewelry made with gemstones, shells, and crystals
Maui Upcountry Jams & Jellies – tropical jams and mustards
Maui Wine – tropical wines
Mise Kimono – clutches, tote bags and accessories made from kimono and obi
None of these companies attended the show in-person due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, however, businesses were greatly appreciative of being able to participate in the show at a very reasonable cost due to support received from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development.
According to MFTC Board Member Nina Tanabe, MS, CFS, who helped coordinate the Maui booths onsite, “There are a number of benefits to participating in TIGS. These include being able to meet many diverse buyers, importers, and distributors; you can test and/or launch new products; network and build relationships; and promote your brand. Hawaii businesses can also participate at an affordable cost as the State of Hawaii subsidizes the pavilions.”
According to DBEDT, this year’s attendance was one of the smallest showings at TIGS by Hawaii companies (previously 200,000 pre-pandemic), but they are confident that once Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted, Hawaii companies will return.
Past TIGS participant, Maui Upcountry Jams & Jellies, received interest from new companies.
MFTC’s booths at TIGS included HumBOWbarks, Kawai Ali’i Designs, Maui Upcountry Jams & Jellies, Maui Wine and Mise Kimono.
