Whole Foods Market is seeking local suppliers of produce, baked goods and other grocery items for its initial two O'ahu stores slated to open next year.

The upscale organic and natural foods grocery chain held a blessing yesterday for what it expects will be its first Hawai'i store opening next spring at Kahala Mall.

Nearly 20 Whole Foods product coordinators attended the event and plan to visit local farmers and other food manufacturers in person to see what they have to offer.

"We plan to support local farms and local producers by bringing their products into our store," said Michael Besancon, the company's southern Pacific regional president. "We know Hawai'i has some of the freshest, most delicious fruits, vegetables, fish and other foods in the world, and we are very excited to offer these products in our market."

Gary Maunakea-Forth, operator of Ma'o Organic Farms in Wai'anae, said the commitment from the giant Texas-based retailer has the potential to dramatically expand Hawai'i's natural and organic farming industry.

"These are exciting times, I think," he said. "This will be a great opportunity for all of Hawai'i's farmers."

Maunakea-Forth, who grows a variety of organic salad greens, herbs and fruit on five acres, said an outlet like Whole Foods could easily allow him to double production.

The Whole Foods store at Kahala Mall is filling the 26,000 square feet of space vacated by Star Market in March.

A second store will be 67,000 square feet at Ward Centers in Kaka'ako; it's expected to open next year, after the store in Kahala.

Some products that will be in both stores include poke and other fresh seafood, organic and conventional fruits and vegetables, plants, fresh-cut flowers, artisan cheeses, meat raised to strict standards, organic sake, microbrewed beers and "eco-chic" apparel, accessories and home goods.

Local food producers interested in working with Whole Foods can contact Erica Dubreuil at erica.dubreuil@wholefoods.com.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.