Growing Hispanic Population Impacts Foodservice Programs

CHICAGO — Hispanics are expected to make up nearly 30 percent of the total U.S. population by 2060, and as this demographic grows, so will its impact on the foodservice industry, according to Technomic's Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report, which explores how this consumer group has and will continue to shape foodservice as their usage grows.

Today, 41 percent of Hispanic consumers say they use foodservice twice a week or more often, up from 36 percent in 2013. Operators and suppliers have the opportunity to appeal to Hispanics by emphasizing elements like healthy eating, 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," stated 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."

Other key themes from the report include:

• Word of mouth is very important: 46 percent of Hispanic consumers often ask for restaurant recommendations from friends/family, compared to just 29 percent of the general population.
• The top three Hispanic-style entrees this group is most likely to order are carne asada (54 percent), burritos (42 percent) and fajitas or tacos (37 percent each).
• Hispanic consumers want more Hispanic foods: 38 percent think American-style restaurants should offer some Hispanic flavors on the menu, up from 33 percent in 2013.