MFTC showcases HI businesses during the 96th Tokyo International Gift Show
Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) proudly announces its successful participation in the 96th Tokyo International Gift Show (TIGS). Held in Tokyo, Japan, from September 6-8, TIGS stands as Japan’s largest B2B Lifestyle and Gift Trade Show, celebrating a tradition of excellence since 1976.
Under the sponsorship of the Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), the Hawaii Pavilion at TIGS showcased 40 booths displaying a wide array of Hawaii-made products. The pavilion featured selected food products and the beloved Hawaiian plate lunches, offering attendees a taste of the Aloha State’s unique flavors.
This year marked a significant increase in Hawaii’s presence at TIGS as Japan’s travel restrictions were lifted, attracting a robust crowd of 211,000 attendees compared to last year’s 180,000, despite a typhoon warning that affected Tokyo’s transportation services on the final day of the show.
TIGS boasted nearly 3,000 booths, including representatives from over 1,000 overseas companies. MFTC helped to showcase the following companies:
HumBOWbarks – featuring pet bows, bandanas, and lei
Maui Upcountry Jams and Jellies – renowned for their tropical jams and mustards
MauiWine – showcasing exquisite tropical wines
Moku Pua – offering an assortment of soaps, bath, and body products
NR Stitched – Pillow covers, table runners, place mats, pouches
Oneloa Maui – presenting plastic-lined wet bags in various sizes
Participating Maui companies expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage in the show at an affordable cost, attributing this to the generous support received from the County of Maui Office of Economic Development.
Nina Tanabe, MS, CFS, MFTC interim Board President, highlighted the strength of Hawaii’s brand and MFTC’s steadfast commitment by saying, “Hawaii has a strong brand, and at MFTC, we are dedicated to showcasing these exceptional products, our island’s rich cultural heritage, and fostering the entrepreneurial spirit that sets the Aloha State apart on the global stage.”
HumBOWbarks’ charming pet bows, bandanas, and lei were a hit at TIGS for the second year in a row.
Maui Upcountry Jams and Jellies offered this year’s TIGS attendees a taste of paradise with their signature jams, jellies and mustards.
MauiWine’s exquisite tropical wines were a true delight for connoisseurs and buyers.
Moku Pua’s luxurious soaps, bath, and body products crafted with Maui’s essence drew a number of interested buyers.
NR Stitched of Hilo wowed attendees at this year’s TIGS with their signature pillow covers, table runners, place mats, and pouches.
Maui’s creative spirit was on display at the 2023 TIGS. Pictured: Oneloa Maui’s versatile plastic-lined wet bags, in various sizes.