KS' Pā‘ina on Pier 38 event during the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival cultivated connections between farmers and food industry pros. Above, farmer Anthony De Luze of Hō‘aipono Farms and culinary student Lilinoe De Gruy showcase some fresh produce.

The private event attracted more than 350 food buyers, chefs and business owners eager to learn about locally sourced produce and products.

Pier 38’s 3,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse is home to Honolulu’s daily fish auction, so naturally there was a display of fresh fish.

Hō‘aipono Farms owner Anthony De Luze solidifies a new partnership with Foodland buyer Keoni Chang. De Luze grows approximately 30 varieties of kalo and several varieties of sweet potato on KS land in Aiea.

Haleʻiwa farmer Ken Hirata, owner of Hawaiian Shochu Company, is interviewed by a reporter from Japan - one of the many ways his business gained exposure at the event.

KS farmers Roberta Taira and Kekaulike Arquette of Mamaki Hawaiian Herbal Tea grow certified organic mamaki on more than three acres of KS land in Punaluʻu.

Chef Scott Hiraishi of Feeding Leaf Caters and RJ Ranch owners Roy and Jill Mattos promote the benefits of pasture-raised beef from their ranch in on KS land in Hamakua.

Guests sampled dishes made with the locally sourced products. This beef carpaccio appetizer features coffee from Kaiwi Farms and produce from Living Aquaponics, both KS lessees.

KS Advertising Specialist Kristina Rau samples some of the food offerings.

Kaleo Chong and Lilinoe De Gruy, both 2002 KS Kapālama graduates are working in the food services industry.

Land Assets Division Director Neil Hannahs introduces the first place winners of KS' Mahiʻai Match-Up agricultural business plan contest:, Elisabeth Beagle, Emily Beagle and business partner Jamie Sexton of Holoholo General Store. (Missing from photo is Jill Nordby).