Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) - Company Research Report

Company Overview

• Name: Hawaiian Host Group (HHG)

• Mission: Exceed expectations with the Spirit of Hawaiʻi – in everything we do.

• Founded by: Mamoru & Aiko Takitani

• Key People:

• Ed Schultz - President & CEO

• Michelle Leon-Guerrero - Chief Administrative Officer

• Amir Zahedi - Chief Sales Officer

• Shannon Castellanos - Chief Financial Officer

• Chris Rabago - Senior Director of Manufacturing & Engineering

• Danielle Laubenstein - Senior Director of Global Marketing, Mauna Loa

• Earl Kurisu - Senior Director of International Sales

• Joy Takanishi - Senior Director of Talent Management Services

• Tomomi Blum - Senior Vice President, Hawaiian Host Group Japan

• Headquarters: Honolulu, Hawai‘i

• Number of Employees: About 500

• Revenue: No information is available

• Known for: Being the largest branded macadamia company in the world, producing a range of premium confectionery products.

Products

Hawaiian Host®

• Description: Premium chocolates and confections combining milk and dark chocolate with dry-roasted macadamias.

• Key Features: Handcrafted signature indulgences that include Hawaiian honey and Kona coffee.

Mauna Loa®

• Description: Nut-based products known for nutrient-dense macadamias with buttery flavor and satisfying crunch.

• Key Features: Introduces various bold products inspired by the flavors of Hawai‘i.

MacFarms®

• Description: Macadamia nuts paired with diverse classic and contemporary flavors.

• Key Features: Simple, “better-for-you” snacks using satisfying ingredients.

KOHO®

• Description: Artisanal chocolates crafted in Hawai‘i, featuring exotic flavors.

• Key Features: Visually enticing bonbons which emphasize island-inspired luxury craftsmanship.

Kapua Orchards

• Description: Produces premium macadamias sourced from Hawai‘i’s largest single macadamia orchard.

• Key Features: Hand-picked and freshly cracked macadamias providing high-quality nuts.

Recent Developments

New Acquisition

• MacFarms Acquisition: In 2023, HHG acquired MacFarms, Royal Hawaiian Orchards, and Kapua Orchards, adding 240,000 macadamia trees and a significant 4,000-acre orchard, thereby increasing local operations and production capacities in Hawaii.

Investments

• Hawaiian Host Group has invested $26 million in acquiring the aforementioned orchards and brands, enhancing their product line and ensuring enough resources to meet rising market demands.

Facility Expansion

• Honolulu Production Facility: A $12 million investment has been made to expand the production capabilities at this facility to cater to growing demand.

New Product Launches and Awards

• Strawberries & Cream White Chocolate Macadamias: Won the "Most Innovative New Seasonal Product Award" at the Sweets & Snacks Expo.

• KOHO Flagship Store: Opened a new store to broaden their reach and product customization offerings.

Community Engagement and Sponsorships

• Make-A-Wish Gala Sponsor: HHG sponsored a record-breaking fundraiser event for Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i.

• Support for Maui Wildfire Relief: Donated $10,000 each to the Maui Strong Fund and Hawaii Red Cross, distributed $28,500 in products to the Maui Food Bank and first responders, and initiated fundraising initiatives totaling potential contributions over $400,000.

• Digital Literacy Initiative: Partnered with Digital Ready Hawai‘i to provide free computer training and donated refurbished laptops to bridge the digital divide in Hawaii.

Leadership and Awards

• Corporate Recognition: Ed Schultz, the President & CEO, was named the 2023 Corporate Intrapreneur of the Year by the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association.

• Women Who Mean Business Award: Michelle Leon-Guerrero was honored as an influential female leader in business and community leadership.

Partnerships and Community Impact

• The Arc of Hilo Partnership: Supporting employment for adults with disabilities in Hawai‘i by managing landscaping at the Mauna Loa facility.

• Keiki Rise Initiative: Encourages and supports young local entrepreneurs.

This report highlights HHG's strategic focus on product innovation, community engagement, and sustaining Hawaiian heritage through its business practices.