The island’s hosting of the America’s Cup has given a number of business ventures an opportunity to shine, among them Bermuda Smokehouse.

From catering to VIP events hosted by Groupama Team France, to taking delivery of a second industrial smoker, things are on the up for the business that started less than two years ago.

“The America’s Cup has been really good for us,” said Brendan Huttick, production development manager.

The company provided catering for three events hosted by the French team, and the feedback was positive.

“We cooked for them and we made some good friends.”

The French team asked Bermuda Smokehouse to supply catering after going to a tasting night and choosing some of their favourites. Despite coming from a country famed for its cuisine, Groupama Team France weren’t looking for a French-centric menu.

“They wanted as local a tilt as possible, to experience what the island has to offer,” said Mr Huttick.

Bermuda Smokehouse was happy to oblige with its range of smoked meats, fish, cheese and sauces and even smoky coleslaw that have proven a hit with many island residents.

Smoked ribs, brisket and stuffed salmon with Brie and strawberries were particular favourites for French team.

“We had no problems, and the food spoke for itself,” said Mr Huttick.

Bermuda Smokehouse also provided its services at a number of VIP events hosted by the America’s Cup Bermuda organisation. The involvement with the sailing regatta has increased awareness of the company and kept it twice as busy as usual.

“People at the event have helped spread the word about us. We’ve had some, including restaurants, wanting to pick up my rub,” said Mr Huttick.

Bermuda Smokehouse caters for private dining events, corporate catering, and gives cooking demonstrations. It also creates packaged products such as smoked pulled pork, brisket, bacon, wahoo, salmon and cheeses, which are sold at stores and are available at some restaurants.

One of its most popular products is its beef jerky, which comes in hot and spicy, and sweet and savoury flavours.

Bespoke fine dining experiences are undertaken through the company’s New Catering Concept business.

An important part of the business is its focus on Bermudian tastes, produce and staff. Two young apprentices are helping the core team during the summer months, while there is a large number of “on-demand” associates available for larger functions and busier times.

Stafford Lowe, an investor in the business, said: “We wanted to have a business that would hire Bermudians. The ethos was to create an opportunity for locals.”

That outlook is reflected in the sourcing of raw ingredients from local suppliers, whether that be pigs at Tom Wadson’s Farm, or salad ingredients from Bermy Fresh farm market, its near neighbour in Southampton.

The idea for a smoked produce business in Bermuda came two years ago, when Mr Lowe tried some smoked produce while in Hawaii and felt the concept could work here.

An industrial smoker was imported from the Czech Republic and is used to smoke a variety of products. A second industrial smoker has just arrived, giving the company more scope to expand and keep up with demand.

Mr Huttick said: “The whole thing has increased more than we expected. It has been surprising. We can now do 100lbs of smoked meat with the two smokers, which means we can get our produce in to other supermarkets.”

The Bermuda Smokehouse already supplies Lindo’s in Devonshire and Miles Market.

The upturn in activity this year makes Mr Lowe believe the business will hit breakeven by the end of this year, at which point it should be able to successfully continue as a stand-alone venture.

The arrival of the second industrial smoker, together with the America’s Cup catering jobs and this month receiving a Best of Bermuda Award for home-grown product, have created a buzz for the business.

According to Mr Lowe, the recipe for success has been the quality of the food, the popularity of the pre-packaged items and the dedication of staff.

And Mr Huttick said: “It always takes times to get a new business going, and it was a risk to begin with.”

Innovation has also been key, and Bermuda Smokehouse is not resting on its laurels. Among new lines it is working with Gosling’s to create a “Stormy” flavoured jerky.

Mr Huttick and Bobby DeSouza, general manager, are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

While Mr Lowe said it was gratifying to see what the venture has achieved it its first 18 months.

“When we started we did not know how feasible it was,” he said.

“The America’s Cup has given us the opportunity to show we can provide great catering. The French know their food, and they were delighted. We are proud to have catered at those events and prove that we could do it.”