Hispanic Population relies on Foodservice [INFOGRAPHIC]

By 2060, Hispanics are expected to make up nearly 30 percent of the total U.S. population. As this demographic grows, so too will its impact on the foodservice industry. Technomic’s Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report explores how this consumer group has and will continue to shape foodservice as their usage grows. Forty-one percent of Hispanic consumers now say they use foodservice twice a week or more often, up from 36 percent in 2013. The study identifies operator and supplier opportunities 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,” explains 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.”

In addition to measuring consumers’ foodservice drivers and behavior, the Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report provides a portrait of Hispanic consumers, spotlights concepts that resonate strongly with Hispanics and explores relevant industry and menu trends. Operator and manufacturer marketing teams can easily leverage the report’s key themes, which include:

•     Word of mouth is very important: 46 percent of Hispanic consumers often ask for restaurant recommendations from friends/family, vs. 29 percent of the general population
•     The Top 3 Hispanic-style entrees this group is most likely to order are carne asada (54 percent), burritos (42 percent) and fajitas/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

The Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report is one of many in Technomic’s Consumer Trend Report series, offering the most current analysis, insight and opportunities to help grow your business. Our best-in-class intelligence combines nearly 50 years of foodservice expertise with critical findings from more than 30,000 annual consumer interviews and analysis of 7,000 menus.