Posted on: Friday, December 17, 2004
Shrimp grower receives exporter of year award
Advertiser Staff
Kona Bay Marine Resources, Inc., a Big Island grower of broodstock shrimp, yesterday was named the 2004 governor's exporter of the year.
Kona Bay Marine Web site "Through the export of Hawai'i-grown and Hawai'i-made products, these businesses are helping expand and diversify our economy," said Gov. Linda Lingle.
"We have doubled our sales each year for the last two years, and more than 90 percent of our product sales are exported," says Kona Bay CEO Brian Goldstein. "Our goal is to be the leading shrimp broodstock exporter in the world, and we're getting closer every day."
Plum Hall Inc., a software company, was recognized as the exporter of high technology.
Koyo USA Corp. was awarded exporter of manufactured products. Koyo exports desalinated Hawai'i deep-sea water, which has been successfully introduced to the Japanese market.
The company ships more than a quarter million bottles daily under the brand name MaHalo Deep Sea Water.
Pacific Floral Exchange Inc. was awarded exporter of fresh commodities. In addition to their own anthurium and foliage products, the company exports tropical flowers from more than 80 independent growers.
Three individuals were recognized as outstanding contributors to exporting: Robert Krant, president of Hawai'i Roasters LLC; Lyle Wong from the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture; and Ralph Iwamoto from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Kona Bay was among seven companies and individuals honored at an awards ceremony at Washington Place for outstanding achievements in exporting products and services.
Kona Bay Marine Resources Inc. is the governor's exporter of the year. The firm raises shrimp, 90 percent of which is exported.
