Fox International Channels launches Utilisima US

Fox International Channels is launching a dedicated U.S. domestic feed for Utilisima, the only 100% original Spanish language lifestyle network.

“English language lifestyle networks focusing on food and home design have thrived in the U.S. marketplace for years”

“English language lifestyle networks focusing on food and home design have thrived in the U.S. marketplace for years,” said Hernan Lopez, Chief Operating Officer for Fox International Channels. “However, we also see a significant desire for original Spanish-language lifestyle programming, and Utilisima US will fulfill that need.”

Utilisima’s international feed has been available in the U.S. for years, but in anticipation of launching a domestic feed, the channel has recently ramped up its original production – bringing in well-known talent from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela and other countries, following its 2009 launch on Dish Latino.

“Utilisima has been the fastest growing channel on the Dish Latino platform in recent years,” said Ruben Mendiola, General Manager, Dish Latino. “As viewers find the channel, they stay with it and I have no doubt it could become one of the top 10 Hispanic channels for our platform over time.”

In addition to Dish, Utilisima is carried by Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner, Charter, and is expected to announce new U.S. distribution deals soon. In Mexico, the channel recently surpassed the 90% penetration threshold within the multichannel universe and is projected to reach 100% by year-end.

Utilisima’s signature shows include “Design Shop” with Mexican host Maggie Hegyi along with experts in the creation of unique home objects; “Beauty Plan” hosted by Mexican soap opera star Manola Diez, which provides an array of tips to highlight and renovate women’s beauty styles; Mexican actress Lissette Gutierrez Salazar (“The Nanny,” “Amor en Custodia”) hosts “Being a Woman,” a program aimed at women’s emotions where a team of professionals address motherhood, children’s education, relationships, self-esteem conflicts, sexuality and more; “Make it Simple” hosted by Mexican actress Elena de Tellitu addressing simple ways to make souvenirs, paintings, bijou, and more.

Other new additions on Utilisima include: “The Bakery” with Mexican actress Michelle Manterolla (“Los caballeros las prefieren brutas”) along with four Mexican pastry chefs who teach their recipes step by step; “Seasoning with Lorena Garcia” the internationally acclaimed chef from Venezuela treats a select group of guests to her delicious recipes, with the spicy touch of Latin American flavors; Mexican top chef Aquiles Chavez hosts “Aquiles’ Touch” and shares his cooking secrets; “Puerto Rico Flavor” Puerto Rican chefs Mario Pagán and Wilo Bennet take viewers on a journey through cuisine that combines Spanish, Indian and African traditions with the original essence of Puerto Rico; and the Cuban spirit gets closer with “My Cuba” featuring the best of Cuban cuisine with the special participation of ‘Cuban Banda Dúo’ from Santiago de Cuba.