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For Immediate Release: May 9, 2006 NR06-08 HAWAI`I SEALS OF QUALITY PROGRAM LAUNCHES Uses Branding Strategy to Distinguish Hawai`i Agricultural Products HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) kicked off its Seals of Quality program today at a noontime event at Washington Place. The program establishes a statewide branding program to protect the integrity and value of Hawai`i agricultural and value-added processed products. The familiar “Hawai`i” logo, which is promoted extensively by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, has been incorporated into the brand identity. “The Seals of Quality program will distinguish Hawai`i-grown and Hawai`i-made products in the marketplace,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Consumers can now know for certain that their purchases are truly supporting Hawai`i farmers and businesses.” At the launch, twelve Hawai`i companies were recognized as founding members of the Seals of Quality Program, representing products ranging from fruits and vegetables to nursery products, coffee and homegrown beef, to value-added products. (See list attached) Participating companies are required to sign a limited license agreement with HDOA to use the logo according to the standards established, which include requirements that:
A licensing fee of one-half cent per impression or 105 percent of the printing cost for Seals of Quality stickers will be collected. The fees will be used to offset the cost to administer, market and promote the program. The program is initially being funded by HDOA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Fund. Products with the Seals of Quality are already making their way on to local supermarket and store shelves and a statewide media campaign is being designed to promote the program. “The Seals of Quality will differentiate premium Hawai`i agriculture and products from the rest,” said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Chairperson of the Hawai`i Board of Agriculture. “Hawai`i has one of the strongest brand identities in the world and protecting it will add value to the best commodities Hawai`i has to offer.” As part of the marketing campaign, several prominent Hawai`i chefs have signed on with the program, including: Sam Choy, Mark Ellman, Beverly Gannon, George Mavrothalassitis, Peter Merriman, Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong. Seals of Quality products will also be featured at a trade show later this month in Fukuoka, Japan. HDOA continues its efforts to recruit more Hawai`i companies to participate in the program. Those interested may contact HDOA’s Agricultural Development Division, Market Development Branch at: (808) 973-9595 or e-mail at [email protected] * * * * * * * * * * * * * Founding Members of the Hawai`i Seals of Quality Program
Green Point Nurseries
Hawaiian Vanilla
Company, Inc.
Kamiya Gold, Inc.
Kona Pacific
Farmers Cooperative
Hamakua Spring
Country Farms
Nalo Fresh, Inc.
Alii Kula Lavender
The North Shore
Cattle Company
Paradise Flowers
Farms, Inc.
Twin Bridge Farms
Kamauoha Farms
Manoa Honey Company Seal of Quality Partners
Heritage Trading,
Inc.
Sun Globe Food For more information, contact:
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