HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacific Food Technology1
Pacific Food Technology, LLC
1681 Oneawa Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: (808) 938-6701
Email: ntanabe@pfthi.com
Mr. Benson Medina
Director of Research & Development
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1301
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov
July 17, 2025
Dear Mr. Medina,
Pacific Food Technology (PFT) would like to be considered for professional services in the
following categories: RD.1 (Community and Economic Development) and RD.11 (Food
Technology).
Per HRS Sec. 103D-304, here are my qualifications:
(1) Pacific Food Technology, LLC
Nina Ann Tanabe, MS, CFS
1681 Oneawa Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
808-938-6701
ntanabe@pfthi.com
(2) Company in business as Pacific Food Technology, LLC since 2011. It is owned and
operated by Nina Ann Tanabe.
(3) Education and Qualifications
• Certified Food Scientist
• MS Food Science – University of Hawaii; BS Foods and Nutrition – Cal Poly Pomona
• FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food – PCQI and Lead Instructor
• HACCP and Preventive Controls Systems
• Better Process Control School
• Experienced in assisting companies participate in and export their products at trade
shows in Japan. Trade shows include FoodEx, Tokyo International Gift Show (TIGS),
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World Food and Beverage Great Expo (FABEX); and the International Food
Ingredients and Additives Show (IFIA), since 2014.
(4) Recent Projects
• Dean & DeLuca Hawaii – Yohei Takahashi, President. 201-421-6198.
2025 – Provide Nutrition Facts information for products.
• For J’s Hawaii – Janis Tanga, President. 808-372-4664
2024 – Technical Assistance and Nutrition Facts information for new product, which
won first place at the 2025 Artisan International Flavor Awards for Condiments and
Dressings.
• Hawaiian Host Japan – Earl Kurisu, President, Hawaiian Host Japan. 808-492-2693 (if
connected to wifi in Japan).
2025 – Technical Assistance on extending shelf life of a new product. Ongoing.
• Maui Food Technology Center – Luana Mahi (former President). 808-870-6187.
2025 – Webinar to Maui Food Innovation Center. U.S. Food Labeling Regulations.
Online support to selected students each quarter.
• Maui UpCountry Jams & Jellies – Jan Yokoyama, President. 808-878-8411.
2025 - Technical Assistance to duplicate a client’s ingredient to be used in their
product. Ongoing.
(5) Ms. Tanabe has worked in the food industry, primarily in Hawaii, providing technical
assistance to manufacturers. She and her associates have taught Food Safety and Food
Labeling classes online and in person on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu. Many of the
smaller manufacturers are unaware of state and federal regulations. She also provides
testing services for companies needing to comply with Department of Health
regulations.
To diversify, Ms. Tanabe and associates have been encouraging businesses to explore
exporting to Japan. Participation in B2B trade shows is an inexpensive way for
companies to introduce products, broaden their network, and to determine if exporting
should be part of their business plan.
Interested companies attend show briefings and participate in export readiness training
which is tailored to each company. While actual show participation is not mandatory, it
is encouraged since it leaves a favorable impression with buyers.
There are many things to consider when looking into exporting to Japan.
Depending upon the product, it may take many months to get clearance from the
Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan. There are a lot of regulations such as tariffs,
shipping, getting paid, etc. And for food products, all the ingredients must be approved
for use in Japan, or the product will need to be reformulated.
Companies should also be willing to commit to at least 3 years of participation in a
show. The Japanese need to establish trust and a relationship with the company before
making any sales. One will also need an importer or distributor as well.
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Pacific Food Technology and its associates in Hawaii and Japan, can assist interested and
qualified companies participate in trade shows, as well as sister city pop-ups.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Nina Ann Tanabe