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Course Description

The elevated and immersive Value-Added Masterclass Series is designed for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and community members ready to take their skills to the next level. Led by award-winning professionals and held at the state-of-the-art WVAPDC, each session dives deeper into the craft and business of turning local ingredients into premium, market-ready products.

Learner Outcomes

Participants will gain:

  • Insider insight into the journeys of Hawai‘i’s leading food innovators and the inspiration behind their signature products.

  • A deeper understanding of advanced value-added processing and how it drives product differentiation and profitability.

  • Hands-on experience with premium techniques to enhance shelf life, flavor, and presentation.

  • Strategies for crafting distinctive, high-demand products using locally sourced ingredients.

  • Each Masterclass blends expert instruction with immersive, practical learning — empowering you to refine your craft, elevate your offerings, and stand out in the marketplace.

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Type
In-Person
Days
F
Time
5:00PM to 7:00PM
Dates
Sep 12, 2025
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
2.0
Location
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $150.00
CEUs
0.2 CEUs
Section Notes

Invite your friends, a date, or even a team of coworkers for our first Value-Added Masterclass – an immersive evening of cocktail making with award-winning mixologist Michael Jensen. Using rare, locally foraged ingredients like monkeypod, you'll craft three unique cocktails, learn about global spirits, enjoy curated small bites, and take home a premium mixer infused with Hawaiʻi-grown, value-added ingredients. All supplies are included.

Please let us know of any allergies. Please submit with your reservation, or email vapdc@hawaii.edu

What to Expect:

Attendees will craft three cocktails: an old fashioned, a highball, and a martini – all using unique locally sourced ingredients; learn about global spirits; enjoy curated small bites; and take home a premium mixer infused with Hawaiʻi-grown, value-added ingredients.

Why Attend?

  • Industry Expertise: Learn the fundamentals of cocktail balance and technique. You will leave with practical mixology skills and a deeper appreciation for storytelling through spirits.
  • Interactive Experience: Each cocktail is built around spirits with geographic identity and heritage. Attendees will learn how ingredient sourcing and presentation can elevate a cocktail into a meaningful, value-added product.
  • Exclusive Venue: Step inside the state-of-the-art Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center – dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs, farmers, and students.

Accessibility: If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact us at vapdc@hawaii.edu as soon as possible. Requests made early have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate/accessible formats. 

*Cost:  $150 per person

About Michael Jensen

Michael Jensen is an award-winning mixologist with over three decades of experience. He led the beverage program at Miro Kaimuki, and worked behind the bar at 12th Avenue Grill and StripSteak in Waikīkī. Michael regularly teaches bartending skills and helps craft unique beverage experiences for private events.

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