Butterfield & Vallis Trade Show: ‘Aspiring to excellence’

Sumptuous food was on display all around the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Harbourview Ballroom.

Vendors had their wares on display as they enticed chefs, restaurant owners and others in the food industry to their tables.

It was all part of the 2014 Butterfield & Vallis Trade Show. 

Jim Butterfield, owner of Butterfield & Vallis, told the Bermuda Sun the Food Trade Show used to be an infrequent occurrence in the past, but has become a regular event over the past few years.

“It was started 25 years ago, but over time it has almost become routine for us in the Food Service Division.”

He said the industry is “dynamic and always changing” and coupled with the vendors being “very keen to come to Bermuda, it’s almost an annual thing now. Every time we host one, it gets refined and better.”

The Trade Show had almost 40 vendors at the Fairmont Hamilton on Wednesday. They included a host of big names in the industry including Kraft, General Mills, Cavendish, Maple Leaf and Kimberley Clark, just to name a few. 

“The vendors like to come down at this time of the year, before the season starts, and show off what particular new products they have.”

Innovation

Spencer Butterfield said the theme of the 2014 Food Show was innovation. 

“This comes from our objective to deliver customer service excellence and the aspiration of constant improvement.”

He added the show wouldn’t be possible without the support of the vendors. 

“We are confident the displays showcased here today will assist our customers in their own innovation as all of us strive to enhance food quality and the local food and dining experience.”

Spencer Butterfield said a secondary theme to the show was island hospitality and Bermuda's summer season.

“Many of the products being showcased are in preparation for the coming season.

“We’re encouraged by the general optimism around the season and the recent appointment of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.”