HONOLULU, HI – April 16, 2023 – Hawaiian Host Group (HHG), the largest branded macadamia company in the world and parent company of the iconic Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa brands, announced the stock purchase of MacFarms LLC for $26 million from Australia-based Health and Plant Protein Group LTD, today. Through this acquisition, Honolulu-based HHG is bringing the stewardship of MacFarms, Royal Hawaiian Orchards, and Kapua Orchards back to Hawai‘i.
In addition to the 100,000 Hawaiian macadamia trees that were already under HHG’s control, the company will now be the proud owner of an additional 240,000 local trees, as well as the state’s largest single macadamia farm. MacFarms and the Kapua Orchards are both located south of Kona on Hawai‘i Island. HHG communicated that it will continue the macadamia farming, processing, and manufacturing operations at the MacFarms facilities near Kona, maintaining the Hawai‘i-based jobs.
“We are very excited to welcome the MacFarms teams to Hawaiian Host Group,” said HHG President & CEO, Ed Schultz. “The addition of 4,000 acres of macadamia orchards in perpetuity allows us to plan for the long-term in Hawai‘i. MacFarms has a long-standing history of producing some of the best macadamia nuts in the world, and we look forward to continuing that tradition. This acquisition will allow us to expand our product offerings and continue to provide our customers with the best-quality products, while retaining great jobs in the state of Hawai‘i.”
Now, with a team of about 500, these “Hosts of Hawai‘i” are spread across their headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. In addition to the newly acquired 4,000-acre orchard and manufacturing plant in Kona, HHG operates manufacturing plants in Honolulu and Kea‘au – all of which will remain open due to the popular demand for its products. As demand for its products continues to grow in Hawai‘i, on the mainland, and in Asia, HHG is hiring across locations.
After a two-year litigation against Citadel Pacific, settled in February 2023, HHG was finally able to properly recapitalize the company to execute on some of its key long-term strategies, including using additional locally grown and locally processed macadamia nuts. Schultz commented, “We wish we could have shared this news two months ago as this deal, which reaffirms our leadership and commitment to Hawaiian macadamias, has been in the works for a long time.” HHG remains in a lawsuit with First Hawaiian Bank regarding the bank’s role in the transaction with Citadel Pacific.
Tony Takitani, former chairman and nephew of Hawaiian Host founder, Mamoru Takitani, shares, “With this investment into local people, agriculture, and brands, Hawaiian Host Group is continuing my uncle’s dream and carries on the spirit of my family’s business.” With MacFarms coming under HHG’s leadership, it will be the first time since 1985 that the company’s leadership team will be based in Hawai‘i.
In 2022, HHG was named one of “Hawai‘i’s Most Charitable Organizations” by Hawai‘i Business Magazine. “No matter how much our company grows, our purpose remains to make the Islands’ future flourish. Amongst other initiatives, we look forward to providing world-class opportunities for local talent and strive to partner with local macadamia growers to uplift our industry as a whole” concludes Schultz.
About Hawaiian Host Group
Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host®, Mauna Loa®, MacFarms®, KOHO®, and Royal Hawaiian Orchards®. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates, and macadamia milk-based ice cream. The dedicated team of more than 500 Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across its headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has manufacturing plants in Honolulu and Kea‘au, as well as Hawai‘i’s largest single macadamia farm. For more information on how HHG and its brands share the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world, visit hawaiianhostgroup.com and follow its recent stories on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.
Contact:
Stijn Spaas
Director of Corporate Brand Strategy
808-842-7338
sspaas@hawaiianhostgroup.com
