Posted on: Thursday, October 4, 2001

Big Island foliage marketer named top exporter

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii Foliage Exports Inc. received the 2001 Governor's Exporter of the Year Award yesterday in a ceremony at Washington Place.

The company, founded by Patrick McGrath in 1987, produces, markets and exports tropical plants. It has facilities in Hilo and on the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island as well as two nurseries in Pana'ewa outside of Hilo.

The company is the leading plant nursery in the state, with most of its revenue generated from exporting.

Other companies honored by Gov. Ben Cayetano included RevaComm Inc., which provides multimedia business solutions, and Web designs and was named the state's top exporter of high technology.

The top export trading company was TM Pacific USA Ltd. doing business as Body & Soul, which exports cosmetics. The top exporter of manufactured products was Cyanotech Corp., a Big Island biotech leader.

The top new exporter was Quiet Storm Records, which makes and produces Hawaiian, "Jawaiian" and reggae music. The leading exporter of professional services was Mauna Kea Infrared LLC, which designs and builds infrared astronomical instruments.