Demystifying Food Labels — What Do They Really Mean?

Schedule

Tue Jul 21 2026 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-10:00
Location

Prince Waikiki | Honolulu, HI

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Can we trust food labels—and what do they really tell us about the food we eat? Discover the truth behind the labels.
About this Event

“Farm fresh.” “Organic.” “Grass-fed.” “Wild-caught.” “Local.”

Food labels shape what we buy, what we trust, and how much we’re willing to pay—but many consumers don’t fully understand what these terms actually mean. While some labels are strictly regulated, others are loosely defined or used primarily for marketing.

Join Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation for EAT THINK DRINK 33: Demystifying Food Labels – What Do They Really Mean? as we explore how labels influence consumer choices, support local producers, and impact Hawaiʻi’s food system.

Featuring keynote speaker Laurie J. Beyranevand of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School, along with industry experts, producers, and policymakers, the evening will examine the realities behind common food labels and what they do—and don’t—tell us about the food we eat.

Enjoy locally inspired food and drink while engaging in a conversation about transparency, trust, and the future of food in Hawaiʻi.



KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Laurie J. Beyranevand
Director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and the Pescosolido Professor of Food and Agricultural Law and Policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School


PANELISTS

Eric Kingma
Executive Director, Hawaii Longline Association

Suzanne Shriner
Administrator, Synergistic Hawai‘i Agriculture Council

Derek Kurisu
Executive Vice President, KTA Super Stores

Iris Shimabukuro
Vice President, Eggs Hawaiʻi, Inc


CULINARY TALENT

Our guest chefs will highlight locally sourced, ocean-grown, or ocean-connected ingredients from Hawaiʻi.

Brooke Tadena, Executive Chef, Prince Waikīkī


EARLY BIRD TICKET SALES END July 7!
Early Bird: $95 | General Admission: $125

Teacher Discount
Special discounted tickets for HIDOE teachers! Use promo code EDU33 and your @k12.hi.us email at checkout.

Questions? Email i[email protected] or call (808) 927-9749.

All tickets include:

  • A two-hour grazing experience featuring locally sourced dishes prepared by Hawai‘i’s top chefs
  • Two drinks (beer, wine, or soft drinks)

Let us know of any dietary needs at ticket checkout or by contacting [email protected] — we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Event Details:

  • Doors open: 5:30 PM
  • Program begins: 6:00 PM
  • Parking at Prince Waikīkī: $10 self-parking (with validation) or $15 valet


EAT THINK DRINK – A Signature Experience
Hosted by the Hawai'i Agricultural Foundation, EAT THINK DRINK is a dynamic event series that brings together leaders in agriculture, food, and culture to explore bold ideas, drive innovation, and spark community action. It’s where food, farming, and the future intersect—challenging us all to think differently about what we grow, what we eat, and how we sustain Hawai‘i. View recordings of past EAT THINK DRINK presentations, here.

Presented by Central Pacific Bank with support from Alexander & Baldwin, Armstrong Produce/FreshPoint Hawaii, Bayer, Centinel/Island Palm Communities, Hawaii Longline Association, Matson, Prince Waikīkī, State of Hawai'i, Ulupono Initiative, United Airlines, and United Fishing Agency Ltd.


TICKET PURCHASER CONDITIONS

Proceeds from EAT THINK DRINK benefit Hawai'i Agricultural Foundation’s education and community outreach programs.

As a reminder:

  • MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted to the Event, unless noted otherwise. Please bring valid government-issued photo I.D.
  • ALL SALES FINAL/NO REFUNDS, NO EXCHANGES, NO REPLACEMENTS. Events, presenters, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.
  • RIGHT TO USE YOUR NAME, VOICE, IMAGE AND LIKENESS By attending the Event, Holder grants the Event and its affiliates and licensees the right to publish, print, display, record and use the Holder’s name, voice, image and likeness while at the Event in any and all media.

For complete details on Ticket Purchaser Conditions associated with attending and otherwise participating in EAT THINK DRINK, click here.

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Where is it happening?

Prince Waikiki, 100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 95.00 to USD 125.00

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Hawaii Agricultural Foundation
Host or PublisherHawaii Agricultural Foundation

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