The Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association will present its first-ever Taste Awards in June.

The awards, co-sponsored by the state Department of Agriculture, will honor outstanding companies, individuals and products within the food manufacturing industry.

Awards will honor the large and small manufacturers of the year, the Start-up Company of the Year, Product of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Supplier of the Year, and will include a Community Service Award, Innovative Marketing Award, and Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Finalists have been selected in each category.

The awards presentation gala will be the evening of Saturday, June 14 at the Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery, and will include a “Battle of the Chefs” competition and a formal dinner reception.

“We’re very excited to launch the Taste Awards,” said Byron Goo, HFMA board president, in a statement.

“It’s long overdue for our industry to recognize the best of the best. There’s a lot of hard work and so many wonderful stories to tell about the local companies that produce the great food products found throughout Hawaii’s homes, stores and restaurants.”