Dozens of Hawaii food companies got a shot at a much bigger customer base, good news for local businesses and the military families who buy their products.

• 70 companies showed off more than 1,000 items, many made in Hawaii, at a food show aimed at getting them into military stores.
• The goal is to land shelf space in commissaries and exchanges on the mainland and in Southeast Asia, reaching over 260,000 active-duty members, families, and retirees.
• Vendors are also chasing spots in Walmart, ABC Stores, and 7-Eleven, with some pricing their goods cheap to win over military shoppers.
• After the show, sellers meet one-on-one with buyers who can open doors to mainland expansion.

Outlook: Vendors who impress buyers could see their local products spread to military bases and stores far beyond Hawaii.