Whole Foods Market Debut a Win-Win for Genuine Hawaiian Beer Lovers

Garrett and Melanie Marrero of Maui Brewing Co. were present for the highly anticipated opening of the first Whole Foods Market in the State of Hawai’i. Whole Foods Markets is based in Austin, TX and has established over 270 stores throughout the United States and the United Kingdom since 1980.

The 28,670 sq. ft. store opened at the Kahala Mall in Honolulu on and features a spectacular array of prepared foods, organic meats and poultry, fresh seafood, organic and locally-grown produce, organic and natural grocery items and a large natural health and beauty department.

Whole Foods strives to bring products that are minimally processed and in as natural a state as possible to the consumer; and support efforts to reduce waste, recycle materials and other environmentally-minded concepts. Freshness also being key, it is important them to form alliances with local, like-minded suppliers.

Maui Brewing Co. is proud to be able to supply Whole Foods with truly authentic Maui-made microbrews. Now all those seeking a genuine Hawaiian beer can find Bikini Blonde Lager, Big Swell IPA and Coconut Porter on Whole Foods Market-Honolulu shelves. MBC shares Whole Food’s commitment to the environment and the local economy. MBC incorporates local Hawaiian ingredients in their microbrews and aluminum cans are used for packaging to guarantee their beers are as fresh as possible — providing the beer the ultimate protection from light and oxygen.

Although cans and bottles are both recyclable, bottles still break and may pose a risk at beaches and other public areas. Plastic rings are dangerous to marine life and therefore, recyclable MBC is using a new and unique reusable recycled plastic carrier.

In further support of the local economy, the cans used by MBC are made on Oahu and packaging designs are by local Maui artists. The spent grain from beer production is donated to local ranchers for cattle feed and any cans damaged in production are donated to the Maui Humane Society. MBC also utilizes equipment purchased from the former Maui Land & Pineapple, preserving a piece of Hawaii’s canning history.

Maui Brewing Co.’s brewpub has been undergoing an extensive remodel and is expected to reopen in early October. The remodeling includes a complete solar energy installation: 80kw to supply a minimum of 75% of the energy consumed via a PV array, skylights providing natural lighting, ceiling fans, CFL lighting, and other energy-efficient upgrades. The production brewery will also be adding solar energy to produce 100% of its electrical needs and about 75% of its water heating needs. BioDiesel made from the fryer at the pub, and supplemented by Pacific BioDiesel, is used in all company vehicles.

Founder Garrett Marrero and his wife, Melanie, run a 7-barrel brewpub at the Kahana location as well as the 25-barrel full production brewery and canning facility in Lahaina. Maui Brewing Co. is a truly local beer as 100% of their products are made in Hawaii as opposed to other “Hawaiian” beers.