Hawaiʻi Seal of Quality
Launched in May 2006, the Hawaiʻi Seal of Quality is a statewide branding program that aims to protect the integrity and value of the marketing cachet for Hawaiʻi branded farm and value-added products.
The seal represents the cream of the crop of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural producers and helps our genuine fresh or processed products compete equally and fairly with “look alike” products from elsewhere.
Products with this seal are genuine, Hawaiʻi-grown or Hawaiʻi-made premium products, a guarantee that is enforced by the State of Hawaiʻi.
The Seal of Quality program was founded by 12 notable agricultural producers and is supported by many of Hawaiʻi’s most prominent chefs.
QUALIFICATIONS
All fresh agricultural products must be entirely produced in Hawaiʻi, meeting these program standards:
- Hawaiʻi point of origin
- 100% grown in Hawaiʻi for fresh produce
- For value-added, processed agricultural and food products, the primary agricultural product must be entirely produced in the State of Hawaiʻi
- Quality, as determined by Hawaiʻi State export standards/laws and trade associations (i.e. Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association) guidelines.
LICENSING AND FEES
One-year, renewable licensing agreement and a licensing fee of one cent per anticipated impression or 110% of the printing cost for stickers will be collected. Fees will help offset costs of program administration, marketing and promotional activities. State and Federal funds will cover the majority of the program costs in the initial years.
One time, non-refundable application fee of $50 per product line. Participation approved by HDOA and the industry panel.
See Administrative Rules for details.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture may suspend or revoke the license to use the seal when an authorized user violates the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (4-7-135 HAR).
A fine of not more than $1,000 for each separate offense may be issued. Each day or instance of violation constitutes a separate offense.
See Administrative Rules for details.
Interested in participating in the program?
Fill out application form and mail to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
MEMBER BENEFITS
Photoshoots
Receive a professional photoshoot to capture images of products and operations for marketing usage.
FREE Rack Cards
FREE printed rack cards, funded by the Market Development Branch, to use for advertising needs
FREE SOQ Assets
FREE Seal of Quality marketing collateral to handout for promotional purposes
Events
Invitations to in-store/in-person events to gain exposure to new customer base
TV Campaigns
Exposure and advertising through TV campaigns such as HI Now Daily, promoting local businesses
General Outreach
Organic marketing through public outreach initiated by the Market Development Branch
INFORMATIONAL CONTENT
SOQ Pre-Qualify Checklist
Review the requirements to determine if your product qualifies for the program prior to applying.
CONTACT US
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture
Market Development Branch
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, HI, 96814-2512
Phone: (808) 973-9594
Fax: (808) 973-9590
E-mail: [email protected]