Unlocking Opportunities: Hawaii Businesses Showcase at the ALA Hawaii Food Show

In a strategic move to expand their market reach, about 70 Hawaii businesses are gearing up to showcase their products at the 27th annual American Logistics Association (ALA) Hawaii Food Show on August 12 at the Prince Waikiki Hotel. This event presents a significant opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect directly with buyers from the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) and Military Exchanges, who have the authority to make immediate purchasing decisions and provide valuable feedback on packaging, presentation, and marketing.

Empowering Local Businesses to Thrive in the Military Marketplace

Connecting Local Entrepreneurs with Military Buyers

The ALA Hawaii Food Show serves as a crucial platform for local business owners to establish direct connections with military buyers. Sharon Zambo-Fan, the chairperson of the event, emphasizes the show's ability to facilitate these valuable interactions. By participating, entrepreneurs can gain access to the lucrative military commissary market, including the four commissaries located in Hawaii. The Navy Exchange at Pearl Harbor, in particular, is one of the highest-grossing commissaries in the nation, offering a significant opportunity for local companies to expand their reach.

Immediate Purchasing Decisions and Valuable Feedback

The event's unique structure allows for immediate purchasing decisions by the military buyers in attendance. This rapid decision-making process provides local companies with immediate business opportunities and the chance to receive valuable feedback on their products. Akiko White, the owner of Honolulu bakery Aloha Bites, emphasizes the importance of this direct interaction, as it enables entrepreneurs to gain insights into packaging, presentation, and marketing strategies that resonate with the military consumer base.

Facilitating the Selection of Local Companies for Commissary Shelves

Over the years, the ALA Hawaii Food Show has facilitated the selection of over 6,000 local companies for commissary shelves. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) alone grosses over billion annually, with Oahu commissaries contributing over 5 million to this impressive figure. This demonstrates the significant impact the event has had in connecting local businesses with the lucrative military market.

Showcasing Award-Winning Entrepreneurs and Their Innovative Products

The event also provides a platform for showcasing the talents of award-winning entrepreneurs, such as Akiko White, who has been recognized for her achievements on Food Network's Cake Wars. White will be presenting her signature products, including savory ulu muffins, jam-ade, and sweet mini cupcakes decorated with edible flowers. Her award-winning preserves, made using produce from Kualoa Ranch, will also be on display for the first time at the show.

Mentoring and Business Opportunities for Local Companies

The ALA Hawaii Food Show not only facilitates immediate business opportunities but also provides mentoring and guidance to participating local companies. Zambo-Fan emphasizes that the decisions made by the military buyers within a week of the event can open up new avenues for local businesses, offering them the chance to expand their reach and grow their operations.In conclusion, the 27th annual ALA Hawaii Food Show presents a remarkable opportunity for Hawaii businesses to showcase their products, connect with military buyers, and unlock new growth opportunities in the lucrative military commissary market. By leveraging this platform, local entrepreneurs can amplify their brand visibility, secure valuable feedback, and ultimately, contribute to the thriving economic landscape of the Hawaiian islands.