February 2012/Prepared Foods -- When it comes to developing new breakfast foods, ethnic may be a smart way to go. In its 2011 “Breakfast Consumer Trend Report,” Technomic found that many consumers—especially those belonging to the largest minority groups—would like to see more ethnic offerings at breakfast. Technomic research shows overall consumer interest in ethnic breakfast items grew between 2009-2011. Furthermore, Hispanics (the nation’s largest minority group) show the greatest interest in such offerings.
In 2009, just 27% of Hispanics agreed with the statement, “I would like to see more ethnic items and flavors offered at breakfast.” By 2011, that percentage jumped to 44%—an increase of 63%. Close behind Hispanics, in terms of interest, are Asian consumers (42%), and 32% of African American consumers also agreed with the statement. (In comparison, only 17% of Caucasian consumers want more ethnically inspired breakfast fare.)