WAIKIKI, Hawaii (KHON2) -- The 2024 Daniel K. Akaka Ala Hawaii Food Show has returned to Waikiki.
The event showcased more than 60 local Hawaii vendors for a chance to connect with military buyers and have their local products selected for sale on commissary shelves nationwide.
Vendors and buyers spent their Monday at the Prince Waikiki Hotel to taste test and experience potential products.
68 companies, including ten first-time exhibitors, participated in the annual business-to-business show for the Defense Commissary Agency, Navy Exchanges Hawaii, Marine Corps Community Services and Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials.
Buyers taste-tested local breads, meats, fish, snacks and coffee before recommending products for commissary and exchange shelves.
Throughout the course of the show's history, more than 6,000 local products have been selected for commissary shelves.
DECA grosses more than $4 billion annually with sales from four Oahu commissaries accounting for more than $255 million.
The Pearl Harbor Commissary is ranked first in commissary sales worldwide. Schofield Barracks Commissary and Hickam are ranked in the top 15.
According to Ala Hawaii Chairperson Sharon Zambo-Fan. the show is an opportunity for local companies to connect with military buyers who will make immediate purchasing decisions and who will provide feedback on improving product packaging, presentation and marketing.
The buyers offer on-the-spot guidance and make decisions within a week of the show.
Fan said the goal is to provide local companies with business opportunities and mentoring.
The show continues to grow and evolve as a way to help local businesses increase their sales. With demonstrated success, local companies have the opportunity to expand to DECA commissaries and exchanges on the United States mainland and in South East Asia.