History

Our HistoryServing Hawaii

Founded in 1913 as a small wholesale business in Hilo, Hawaii, three generations of the Hata family have worked to grow the Y. Hata brand across the State of Hawaii.

Y. Hata expanded to Oahu in 1938, occupying its current corporate headquarters on Sand Island Access Road in 1996. In 2014, Y. Hata expanded to Kauai with the acquisition of long time foodservice company Koa Trading. Additionally, in 2014, Russell J. Hata, Chairman, President, and CEO, founded ChefZone, bringing over 5,000 restaurant quality products to our smaller foodservice operators and the public.

1913

Y. Hata & Co., Limited is founded by Yoichi Hata in Hilo, Hawaii.

1913

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

2019

The company expands to Honolulu in 1938.

1938

1913

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

2019

1960s

The second generation, lead by Frank Hata, assumes leadership and forms partnerships with Foodland and Kikkoman Shoyu.

Starting decades of expansion, Y. Hata acquires Maui Dry Goods, Val’s Supermarket (changed its name to P&P Grocery), and the Schlitz/Primo Distributing franchise for Oahu.

1913

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

2019

1970s

New businesses and partnerships were started including Diversified Distributors, Automat Hawaii, and DataHouse.

Y. Hata becomes the dominant food service distributor in the State of Hawaii with 7 warehouses.

1913

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

2019

1991

The third generation, Russell Hata, assumes leadership and begins consolidation and divestment of subsidiaries.

Y. Hata moves into its new Sand Island warehouse and becomes the primary foodservice distributor to the military in Hawaii.

1996

1913

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

2019

2014

ChefZone opens its doors, Hawaii’s first cash-and-carry wholesale club serving the foodservice industry.

Koa Trading Co. is acquired expanding Y. Hata to Kauai.

2015

Sand Island Warehouse

1913

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

2019

2019

Looking to the future, Y. Hata launches 12 Exclusive Brands, bringing high quality and enhanced profitability to Hawaii’s foodservice industry.

A Member Of Our Community

Y. Hata is committed to giving back to our community and supporting Hawaii’s economy.

Monthly food donations to support Hawaii’s families in need.

Monthly #HataCares meals to show our appreciation to Hawaii’s essential workers.

Annual scholarships to support the future of Hawaii’s foodservice industry.

Continued efforts to promote diversity and sustainability in Hawaii’s economy.