Hawaii is hoping to export its food products to the Middle East, but both product and packaging will need to adhere to strict Islamic guidelines.
In 2014, Hawaii’s agricultural exports totaled $122 million; the total so far in 2015 is $98 million. Japan is the biggest export market; about $49 million in agricultural exports went to the country from Hawaii in 2014, according to Euromonitor International.
Exports to China totaled $19 million in 2014, and South Korea rounded out the top three, with $8.3 million. Other big countries for Hawaii exports include: Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia.
Just $191,000 in agricultural exports from Hawaii went to the United Arab Emirates in 2014; the total for 2015 so far is $27,000.
These goods included Cocoa, cereal, and miscellaneous edible prepared foods.