June 2011 Prepared Foods -- Beinga Hispanic in the food business and married to a man who also is “in the business,” all topics related to foods permeate our lives. Since I’m Peruvian, most everything I cook has a bit of Latino flavor. But, I often have to adjust my recipes for more Americanized family members. The different “degrees” of being Latino intrigue me.
With this in mind, Packaging Strategies’ report, “Hispanic Foods and Beverages in the U.S.: Market and Consumer Trends in Latino Cuisine (July 2010),” is an enlightening read. The report splits consumers of Hispanic products into two main segments: “truly ethnic Hispanic consumers in search of authentic products and tastes,” and “the non-Hispanic consumer who has an increasing appetite for the flavors of various ethnic cuisines.”