12 Molokai Businesses at County Product Show

KBC News Release

At this year’s second annual Made in Maui County Festival, we have 12 booths occupied by Molokai businesses. The Kuha`o Business Center (KBC) is excited to not only have businesses returning to the festival from last year, but to be adding to the list of Molokai businesses that will be represented. The festival takes place Nov. 6-7 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului.

The event will boast a larger format with more products, more vendors, more food trucks, and more reasons to buy local. Nearly 140 product vendors and food trucks are confirmed for this year.

“I encourage anyone interested in participating in 2016 to attend the festival this year to see what it’s all about,” said Jennifer Hawkins, small business specialist at KBC. “Your business really needs to be ready to go to the ‘next level’ in order to participate.”

Hawkins said she recommends businesses establish their local following, but a social media presence, a website, available product and more are also needed.  Last year there were nearly 9500 people in attendance at the festival, so just for this one event, these vendors have worked for months to prepare, not only by producing inventory, but creating a marketing plan/image, and even new product lines which will be launched at the 2015 event.

The Friday event is open to buyers/wholesalers by invitation only and to the public via the Shoppers Preview with $35 tickets available in advance at the Maui Arts and Culture Center.  Saturday is open to the public and the gate charge is $5.  The first 2,000 guests will receive a free event shopping bag.

This year’s Molokai vendors are:

Kanemitsu

Kealopiko

Keaohulu

Kupu A`e Molokai

Lanakila Designs / Kainanea

LeiAloha by Maile

Barking Deer Farm

Na Mea Molokai

Pacifica Hawaii

Rock Salt Plum Creations / Hattherapi

Rosebuds

SuiKeala Jewelry