CHICAGO – Hispanic consumers represent a growing customer base for foodservice operators, with their collective buying power reaching $1.5 trillion in 2015. To tap into the foodservice preferences of a group that represents nearly 17% of the total U.S. population, Technomic released a new report,

“Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report,” filled with insights and trends.

"Hispanics are looking for good taste, quality, freshness and a strong value equation when they dine out, just like other consumers," said Darren Tristano , Executive Vice President of Technomic, Inc. "But Hispanics also stand out from other restaurant goers—especially in terms of the high importance they place on family-friendly amenities and ambiance, food and flavor authenticity, and recognizing their culture and native language when communicating to them though marketing and advertising." 

Technomic’s report provides insights about Hispanic consumers, along with findings such as:

• Less-acculturated consumers are twice as likely as more-acculturated Hispanics to look for Hispanic foods (39% and 20%, respectively) and flavors (45% and 20%, respectively) at American-style restaurants.
  
• Authenticity is key: Twice as many Hispanics (44%) compared to the general population (21%) said they would pay more for food described as authentic.  
• Forty-four percent of Hispanic consumers said they are more likely to visit foodservice locations that offer Spanish-language advertisements.  
• More Hispanic consumers (46%) than the general population (33%) said that a family-friendly atmosphere is a key factor when selecting a restaurant.

Read more on Hispanic marketing opportunities for convenience stores in NACS Magazine.