King's Hawaiian
King's Hawaiian is a family-owned food manufacturer founded in 1950 producing Hawaiian sweet bread and bakery products, including the #1 branded roll in the United States. It distributes across major US and Canadian grocery chains, foodservice operators, convenience stores, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersTorrance, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What King's Hawaiian does
King's Hawaiian is a privately held, family-owned food manufacturer founded in 1950 by Shirley Takaichi Uyeda in Honolulu, Hawaii, and headquartered in Torrance, California. The company produces Hawaiian sweet bread and bakery products, anchored by its flagship Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls—the #1 branded roll in the United States—and extended across sliced bread, mini sub rolls, hot dog buns, specialty products (Rainbow Bread), and limited-time flavors (Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls, Shake 'Em Banana Bites). The core technology centers on a proprietary sweet bread recipe and baking process that delivers a signature melt-in-your-mouth, soft and fluffy texture; all products are made without high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, or trans fat, and the company holds KD Kosher certification.
King's Hawaiian operates a multi-channel go-to-market model. Primary revenue comes from retail grocery distribution through major US chains (Kroger, Albertsons, Publix, Walmart) and Canadian retailers (Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart Canada). Secondary channels include a foodservice division serving restaurants and sports venues (Red Robin, Ruby Tuesday, Yankee Stadium), a newly launched convenience retail presence via Sheetz (830+ locations), direct-to-consumer e-commerce with subscription options on kingshawaiian.com, two company-owned retail locations in Torrance, CA (the Original King's Hawaiian Restaurant and The Local Place Bakery & Cafe), and brand licensing/collaborations (Illumination, Van Leeuwen, Bing Crosby Estate). Pricing is unit-based with 5-15% subscription discounts on D2C orders.
The company generates revenue through one-time product sales across retail and foodservice channels, recurring subscription revenue from D2C, and licensing royalties from limited-edition collaborations. Customer base spans millions of household consumers plus enterprise foodservice and retail partners, with no single customer dependency. The company has pursued inorganic growth through acquisitions of Grillo's Pickles (April 2021) and Shaka Tea (February 2022), and operates an 'Ohana Market sub-brand for Hawaiian lifestyle products and an Ohana Circle consumer research community.
King's Hawaiian firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- King's Hawaiian
- Legal name
- King's Hawaiian Holding Co, Inc.
- Website
- https://kingshawaiian.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- King's Hawaiian is a family-owned food manufacturer founded in 1950 producing Hawaiian sweet bread and bakery products, including the #1 branded roll in the United States. It distributes across major US and Canadian grocery chains, foodservice operators, convenience stores, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
King's Hawaiian industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Packaged Bakery Products
- NAICS
- Bread and Bakery Product Manufacturing (31181), Commercial Bakeries (311812), Retail Bakeries (311811), Baked Goods Retailers (445291)
- SIC
- Bakery Products (2050), Food And Kindred Products (2000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bread & Rolls Manufacturing (AFAKAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Bakery & Desserts Distribution (CRAOABAE), Bread & Rolls Wholesale (AFAIAFAA), Snack Bakery (Cookies, Crackers, Bars) Wholesale (AFAIAFAI), Frozen & Par-Baked Bakery Production (THAFAFAK)
Keywords
Where King's Hawaiian is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Torrance
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
King's Hawaiian business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Retail Baked Goods Sales: King's Hawaiian generates primary revenue from selling bread, rolls, sweet bread, and Hawaiian bread products through retail grocery stores and supermarkets across the United States and Canada. The company is the number one branded roll in the United States.
- Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce: Online store selling bread gift boxes, merchandise, and Hawaiian products shipped anywhere in mainland United States. Includes subscription and save options.
- Foodservice Distribution: Distribution of products to foodservice operators including restaurants, convenience stores, and sports venues.
- Brand Licensing and Collaborations: Limited-edition product collaborations and licensing partnerships including Illumination (Minions & Monsters), Bing Crosby Estate, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12ct, 2 Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread, 2 Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Rainbow Bread, 2 Pack |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
King's Hawaiian product offering
Product offeringCore offering
King's Hawaiian manufactures and sells Hawaiian sweet bread and bakery products, with the flagship Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls as the number one branded roll in the United States. The product portfolio spans sweet rolls, sliced bread, specialty breads, hot dog buns, mini sub rolls, snack items (Soft Pretzel Bites), limited-edition seasonal flavors, and complementary sauces, mixes, coffee, tea, and merchandise. Products are distributed through retail grocery, convenience stores, foodservice operators, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce with subscription options.
Product overview
King's Hawaiian is a food company specializing in Hawaiian sweet bread and bakery products. The core product portfolio centers on Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (available in 12ct and 24ct packs), Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread, and various specialty bread products including Rainbow Bread, Mini Sub Rolls, and Hot Dog Buns. The company has expanded beyond traditional bakery items into snacks (Pretzel Bites), limited-edition seasonal products (Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls, Shake 'Em Banana Bites), beverages (Moloka'i Coffee, Shaka Tea following 2022 acquisition), sauces and mixes (Coconut Syrup, Macadamia Nut Honey, Maui Onion Mustard), and merchandise. King's Hawaiian operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform with subscription services, maintains two restaurant locations in Torrance, CA, and operates the Ohana Circle loyalty/research community program.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Shaka Tea: Hilo, Hawaii-based ready-to-drink bottled tea brand acquired by King's Hawaiian in February 2022 to support growth and expansion into the tea category.
- 'Ohana Market
Products and services
- Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls The flagship product of King's Hawaiian, soft and fluffy dinner rolls with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right touch of sweetness. Available in 12-count and 24-count packs. Free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, and trans fat. Targeted at consumers and foodservice operators.
- Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread Soft and irresistible sliced bread with just a touch of sweetness, perfect for sandwiches and breakfast breads. Available in 2-pack (1 lb per package, 12 slices per loaf) for direct-to-consumer gift-boxed shipment within mainland US.
- Rainbow Bread Fun, colorful sliced bread made with natural dyes like turmeric and paprika. Pre-sliced with no artificial colors, featuring all the magic of a rainbow packed inside Hawaiian Sweet Bread.
- Original Hawaiian Sweet Soft Pretzel Bites King's Hawaiian's first snack product, combining the brand's signature sweetness with classic pretzel flavor. Available at convenience stores and retail locations; targeted at on-the-go snacking occasions.
- Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls Island-inspired sweet rolls featuring real ube and coconut milk. Originally a limited-edition product that sold out twice in under two minutes, now expanded to national retail distribution.
- Shake 'Em Banana Bites Limited-time snack featuring banana-flavored sugar coating on soft bread bites. Partnership product with Illumination's Minions & Monsters, available nationwide at major retailers.
- Hawaiian Sweet Mini Sub Rolls Mini sub rolls perfect for slider-sized sandwiches and appetizers. Available in 2-pack with 6 rolls per pack for direct-to-consumer gift-boxed shipment.
- Hawaiian Sweet Hot Dog Buns Sweet rolls designed specifically for hot dogs, maintaining the brand's signature fluffy texture and sweetness.
- Shaka Tea Hilo-based ready-to-drink bottled Hawaiian tea brand acquired by King's Hawaiian in February 2022 as a strategic move to accelerate growth and expand into the tea category.
- Moloka'i Coffee Coffee product available in regular and coconut flavors, sold through the online store.
- Coconut Syrup Mix Coconut-flavored syrup mix for beverages and recipes.
- Macadamia Nut Blossom Honey Honey product infused with macadamia nuts, 9 oz jar.
- Maui Onion & Garlic Mustard Specialty mustard with Maui onion and garlic flavors, 7.5 oz jar.
- Sweet Roll Dog Toy Plush toy inspired by the iconic shape of Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Shipping began April 14, 2026.
- Subscribe & Save Subscription service for regular delivery of King's Hawaiian products on monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly schedules with 5-15% savings discounts.
Quantifiable outcome
- 86% of consumers view pretzel bites as ideal for on-the-go snacking
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use King's Hawaiian
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
King's Hawaiian technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
King's Hawaiian partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- SheetzminorKing's Hawaiian launched Original Hawaiian Sweet Soft Pretzel Bites at over 830 Sheetz convenience store locations across the Mid-West, marking the brand's entry into the convenience retail channel.
- Canadian Football League (LCF)minorKing's Hawaiian became a brand partner for the 2026 CFL season with over 50 brands, including fan engagement activations tied to Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving, and the 113th Grey Cup.
- IlluminationminorPartnership to launch 'Shake 'Em' Banana Bites, a limited-time snack featuring banana-flavored sugar coating on soft bread bites, timed to Illumination's Minions & Monsters film release. Includes TV commercial, in-store displays, and NASCAR race car activation.
- Van Leeuwen Ice CreamminorCollaboration to create limited-time Ube Coconut frozen treats including ice cream and ice cream sandwiches made with King's Hawaiian Ube Coconut Sweet Rolls.
- Red RobinminorRed Robin launched Towering Double Cheeseburger Sliders featuring double beef patties and double cheese on King's Hawaiian Rolls at participating locations nationwide.
- Yankee StadiumminorKing's Hawaiian products featured in Yankee Stadium's 2026 food lineup alongside other notable food brands.
- Ruby Tuesday / Virtual Dining ConceptsminorNational expansion of Mukbang Burger to all 200 Ruby Tuesday restaurant locations, featuring King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Available through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
- Bing Crosby EstateminorCollaboration to celebrate 75th anniversaries of both brands by releasing a new remix of Bing Crosby's 'Mele Kalikimaka' featuring Iam Tongi, plus limited-edition gingerbread house kit made from King's Hawaiian rolls.
- Shaka TeacoreKing's Hawaiian acquired Hilo-based Shaka Tea in February 2022 as a strategic move to boost expansion and accelerate growth into new product categories.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
King's Hawaiian competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Hostess Brands: Major US packaged bakery company producing Twinkies, Donettes, and bread products. Comparable in sweet baked goods manufacturing and broad convenience/grocery distribution.
- Pepperidge Farm: Campbell Soup-owned premium baked goods company producing breads, rolls, and crackers. Comparable in offering premium branded rolls (including slider rolls) sold through the same grocery and foodservice channels.
- Bimbo Bakeries USA: Largest commercial bakery in the US, producing Thomas', Sara Lee, Entenmann's, and other branded breads. Comparable in scale of commercial bread manufacturing and grocery channel distribution.
Direct peers
- Wonder Bread (Wonder): Iconic US branded bread maker recently relaunched under new ownership. Direct competitor in the branded bread and rolls category with similar mass-market retail grocery distribution model.
- Dave's Killer Bread: Premium organic bread brand owned by Flowers Foods. Direct competitor in the premium branded bread segment with strong Whole Foods and conventional grocery presence, similar clean-ingredient positioning.
- Nature's Own: Flowers Foods' flagship branded bread line and one of the best-selling breads in the US. Direct competitor in the branded sliced bread and rolls category across grocery retailers.
- Oroweat (Bimbo Bakeries): Premium branded bread line owned by Bimbo Bakeries. Comparable in offering organic and specialty breads sold through mainstream grocery channels with a premium positioning.
- Cobblestone Bread Co. Flowers Foods' premium specialty bread brand including English muffins and bagels. Comparable in positioning as a premium specialty bread brand sold through grocery and foodservice channels.
Regional players
- Stroehmann (Bimbo Bakeries): Regional branded bread manufacturer serving the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast US markets. Comparable in commercial bread manufacturing for retail grocery but with a narrower geographic footprint.
- Mrs. Baird's Bread: Texas-based branded bread company with strong regional presence in the Southwest US. Comparable in branded sliced bread and roll products distributed through grocery and foodservice.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
King's Hawaiian social profiles
Digital presenceKing's Hawaiian compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
King's Hawaiian financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
King's Hawaiian leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
King's Hawaiian subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
King's Hawaiian funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
King's Hawaiian M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A2 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about King's Hawaiian
What does King's Hawaiian do?
King's Hawaiian manufactures and sells Hawaiian sweet bread and bakery products, with the flagship Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls as the number one branded roll in the United States. The product portfolio spans sweet rolls, sliced bread, specialty breads, hot dog buns, mini sub rolls, snack items (Soft Pretzel Bites), limited-edition seasonal flavors, and complementary sauces, mixes, coffee, tea, and merchandise. Products are distributed through retail grocery, convenience stores, foodservice operators, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce with subscription options.
Is King's Hawaiian a public or private company?
King's Hawaiian is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was King's Hawaiian founded?
King's Hawaiian was founded in 1950. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is King's Hawaiian based?
King's Hawaiian is headquartered in Torrance, United States, in the North America region.
How does King's Hawaiian make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Retail Baked Goods Sales are the primary driver. The others are direct-to-Consumer E-commerce, foodservice Distribution and brand Licensing and Collaborations.
Who are King's Hawaiian's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Hostess Brands, Pepperidge Farm and Bimbo Bakeries USA. Direct peers are Wonder Bread (Wonder), Dave's Killer Bread, Nature's Own, Oroweat (Bimbo Bakeries) and Cobblestone Bread Co.. Regional players are Stroehmann (Bimbo Bakeries) and Mrs. Baird's Bread.
Does King's Hawaiian have an API?
No public API is recorded for King's Hawaiian.
What industry is King's Hawaiian in?
King's Hawaiian's product category is Packaged Bakery Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAKAAAA, Bread & Rolls Manufacturing, with a secondary code of CRAOABAE, Bakery & Desserts Distribution. Its NAICS code is 31181 and its SIC code is 2050.