Title sponsors Food Network and Cooking Channel had an oceanfront pavilion next to the Grand Tasting. Chad Hudson Events designed and produced the activation, with scenic build, signage, and audiovisual from 15/40 Productions.
Different types of rum cocktails sponsored by Bacardi and shaken by local mixologists flowed at the event, which was hosted by chef Anne Burrell.
Hawaiian vocalist Anuhea performed at the late-night event from title sponsor King’s Hawaiian. The event took place at Surfcomber, A Kimpton Hotel. The menu included Kiawe-smoked ahi dip made with King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Bread Flats and oyster sauce from Ahi Assassins, Huli Huli-glazed chicken sausage with poi-oli, pickled dragon fruit, scallions and crispy chicken skin on the brand’s sweet rolls from Dog Haus, and Ahualoa sheep with King’s Hawaiian Sweet Island Ginger BBQ sauce prepared as Dukabokki from Pili Group.
“As the leader of Hawaiian foods, we were happy to showcase tremendous talent from highly regarded Hawaiian restaurants [from] across the country,” said Courtney Taira, brand spokesperson and granddaughter of the company’s founder.
Walshy Fire provided reggaeton and island-themed tunes from behind a Bacardi DJ booth as the host of the Rum & Bass Beach Party.
Frozen daiquiris were the popular featured cocktail from presenting sponsor Bacardi at Walshy Fire’s Rum & Bass Beach Party. One outdoor bar was surrounded by island-inspired greenery and featured oversize signage that listed cocktail ingredients.
La Croix’s branded backdrop of packaged beverages made for a prime photo stop, complete with oversize fruit props, inside of the Grand Tasting tents.
Impossible Burger served plant-based burgers at the Grand Tasting, and provided a “Bite Me” backdrop on the sand to encourage photos and social media posts.
