HISPANIC CONSUMERS BOOST FOODSERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

The growing U.S. Hispanic population is shaping the foodservice industry, according to Technomic research.

July 17, 2015

​CHICAGO – By 2060, Hispanics are expected to make up nearly 30% of the total U.S. population. As this demographic grows, so too will its impact on the foodservice industry. Technomic’s Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Reportexplores how this consumer group has and will continue to shape foodservice as their usage grows.

Forty-one percent of Hispanic consumers (PDF) say they use foodservice twice a week or more often, up from 36% in 2013. The study identifies operator and supplier opportunities to appeal to Hispanics by emphasizing elements like healthy eating as well as connection to family and authenticity, which this group tends to prioritize to a greater extent than other consumers.

“Hispanics prioritize eating meals with family, and they feel strongly that restaurants are an ideal place to spend time with family,” explains Sara Monnette, senior director of consumer insights for Technomic. “There is a greater opportunity to gain Hispanics’ loyalty, as they're visiting foodservice locations, especially coffee shops and family-style concepts, more often than the general population.”

Meanwhile, a subset of the U.S. Hispanic population is growing both in numbers and buying power. Earlier this year at the NACS State of the Industry Summit in Chicago, attendees learned that multicultural consumers make up 45% percent of the Millennial population in the United States — and 21% of them are Hispanics.

In terms of foodservice opportunities for the c-store industry, this younger Hispanic cohort is also growing up with well-defined eating attitudes and behaviors. To help build loyalty among these customers, convenience retailers can incorporate spicy flavor profiles and zesty condiment bar options into prepared food programs.