Kamehameha Schools’ Mahiʻai Match-Up supports food systems-focused entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship and skills to build sustainable businesses, fostering economic resilience and cultivating them as ʻōiwi leaders whose work improves the well-being of our lāhui. In this series, we spotlight the innovative contestants of the competition, showcasing their journeys and contributions to Hawaiʻi’s sustainable food future.
Founded in 2017 by Loren Shoop, ‘Ulu Mana is a Honolulu-based company specializing in snacks made from locally grown crops. Their mission is to promote ‘ulu as a sustainable and nutritious food source.
Using locally grown breadfruit and cassava from small Hawaiʻi farms, ʻUlu Mana works directly with local farmers to make high-quality, minimally processed snacks, ensuring that the money goes straight to the producers without middlemen.
“We want the farmers to keep farming,” says Shoop. “Our hope is the younger generations see farming as a valuable business and if we can continue to be a reliable place to sell their products, we can keep farms going.”
In this way, their business model not only supports the local economy but also helps sustain Hawai‘i’s agricultural traditions. The company’s products, like ‘ulu chips and hummus, are processed in-house, and the team brings more than 20 years of culinary and food safety expertise to ensure high standards while continuously exploring eco-friendly practices.
“It’s my whole life,” Shoop said. “It’s not easy work, but it’s something unique and good for the community so I love every part of it.”
He is driven by his passion for traditional Hawaiian crops and sharing them with people: “I love it when people try our products and are stoked.”
If he triumphs in the Mahiʻai Match-Up competition, the funds will enable ʻUlu Mana to expand its product line and processing capabilities, particularly in crafting new cassava snacks. This scaling effort will support small local farms while promoting regenerative agricultural practices, ensuring ʻulu and other locally sourced ingredients reach a broader audience across Hawai‘i and beyond.
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ʻāina pauahi,mahi'ai match-up,food sustainability,food systems,ʻāina
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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, Wai’anae Coast, ‘Ewa, Waialua, Kona, O’ahu, Ko’olau, Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i, West Hawai’i, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Community, KS Announcements, Mahi’ai Match-up
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