Consumers are demanding cleaner and greener food, one of the Island’s major wholesalers said yesterday.

Alun Hughes, general manager of Butterfield & Vallis, said: “There is definitely a trend towards no pesticides, non-genetically modified and as organic as possible and that’s also now transferring into packaging.

“We have 100 per cent compostable coffee cups and covers, for example. Whatever it might be, the cleaner and greener the better.”

Mr Hughes was speaking at the end of the Butterfield & Vallis trade show, held at the Hamilton Princess.

More than 250 customers of the firm toured exhibits by nearly 50 suppliers to the firm, from Europe and North America.

And Butterfield & Vallis, an official supplier to the America’s Cup, got a touch of sporting glamour as the famous trophy was on display and America’s Cup Event Authority chief Sir Russell Coutts opened the show.

Mr Hughes said: “The suppliers represent the most popular items that the Island regularly uses.

“We are very excited that we’re official suppliers to the America’s Cup — we think it’s great for the Island and the hotel and restaurant industry.

“For us to play a small part in that is spectacular — we’re delighted.”

Mr Hughes predicted that the America’s Cup, which will stage the World Series races this weekend, would be a shot in the arm for the economy.

He said: “I think there are encouraging signs. We have a very positive outlook generally and we’re encouraged — the America’s Cup is potentially very exciting for the Island.”

Butterfield & Vallis used the show to launch its new loyalty initiative, called “a sporting chance”.

Hosted on its storefront online ordering service, the scheme offers customers the chance to take part in a monthly raffle draw, with sports-themed prizes on offer for achieving the required number of reward points.