July 2011/Prepared Foods -- Hispanics represent the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. The implications for anyone aligned with the foodservice or retail food industry are clear—understand Hispanic consumers’ preferences, attitudes and needstates, or risk losing their business.
Technomic developed the “2011 Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report” in order to glean insights into this powerful ethnic group. The research asked Hispanic consumers about their level of agreement with the statement, “It is important to me that Hispanic food at ____ restaurants tastes authentic or like a Hispanic prepared it.” About two thirds (64%) of Hispanic consumers say it is important that food at a Mexican/Hispanic restaurant tastes authentic or like a Hispanic person prepared it. Furthermore, more than half (56%) say the same about Hispanic food at an American-style restaurant.