The buzz of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Bermuda was enough to entice some of the overseas vendors at Butterfield & Vallis’ annual trade show to extend their stay on the Island by a few days so they could watch the sailing spectacle.

Their enthusiasm was heightened when the trade show at the Hamilton Princess last week included an appearance by Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA), with the ‘Auld Mug’ trophy as an added attraction.

“We have supported the America’s Cup all the way through and we linked it to our trade show,” explained Alun Hughes, president of the general food service division at Butterfield & Vallis.

He said it was company owner Jim Butterfield’s idea to try and get the trophy at the show. It proved to be a hit, as did the general excitement leading up to the World Series event.

“Some of the suppliers stayed for the weekend to watch the races,” said Mr Hughes.

As an official supplier, the wholesale distributor has provided supplies to the racing teams and to other traders connected with the event.

Mr Hughes said he was impressed by the level of organisation surrounding the weekend event, with delivery vans being able to arrive, unload and depart in a streamlined manner.

The company was asked by the event authority to provide healthy products, including organic, and also compostable packaging.

Mr Hughes said that ethos tied in with much of the company’s own beliefs and values. And regarding the compostable packaging, he said: “That has given us entry into these products on the market.”

Butterfield & Vallis has also boosted staff morale and enthusiasm with a number of group visits to see Oracle Team USA at their training base in Dockyard.

“We’re pleased that we could play a small role in the weekend, which was spectacular,” added Mr Hughes.

Meanwhile, Butterfield Bank, the official bank of the America’s Cup, has seen business come its way.

“Butterfield is the banker to the event authority and Oracle Team USA, and has also picked up business from the other teams who are resident on the Island,” a spokesman for the bank said.

During the weekend, Butterfield hosted more than 600 clients and guests at corporate hospitality events, both on the water and at its head office overlooking Hamilton Harbour.

“From our perspective, ACEA and ACBDA did an excellent job organising the racing series and accompanying events,” the spokesman said.

“The races on Sunday afternoon were exciting and the conditions resulted in the Island showing very well on television coverage. We are optimistic that this will result in renewed interest in travel to Bermuda among sailing and sporting enthusiasts, leading up to the America’s Cup 2017.”

He said the bank feels the event is having a positive economic impact on the community.

Official insurer of Oracle Team USA, Bermuda-based Ironshore, is also underwriting many aspects of the America’s Cup events.

Mitch Blaser, CEO of Ironshore’s Bermuda operations, said: “Ironshore couldn’t be happier with our sponsorship of Oracle Team USA as their official insurer.

“We announced the partnership just before the World Series Bermuda kicked off and have already made a splash with many of our brokers on the Island.

“Come 2017, we expect to bring in overseas brokers and clients to showcase what Bermuda, and Ironshore, have to offer. Rain or shine, wind or no wind, the people of Bermuda rose to the occasion to create an electrifying atmosphere and made the World Series event a fantastic success.”