King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls have not been made in Hawaiʻi for decades, but a federal judge says the California-based company does not mislead consumers about that fact.
King’s Hawaiian Bakery West, a company headquartered in Torrance, California, was sued by two consumers who said the packaging gives the impression the rolls are made in Hawaiʻi.
According to court documents, the label for King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls features the words “Established 1950” and “Hilo, Hawaiʻi” in reference to the company’s founding.
U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton was not convinced that a reasonable consumer would be deceived into believing the rolls are made in Hawaiʻi.
Hamilton found the packaging plainly states the rolls are made in California and that the use of a geographic reference like Hilo does not convey a representation of a product’s current origin.
Hamilton dismissed the case, but not before allowing the consumers a chance to amend their complaint and re-try the case.