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General overview of the Hispanic food market in the USA

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The Latin food market in the United States has experienced significant growth between 2021 and 2023, driven by the growing Hispanic population and widespread interest in ethnic cuisine.

Analysis of Latino consumer behavior, focused on men and women aged 25 to 55, reveals interesting trends in the consumption of Central and South American foods.

Data indicates that the average Latino worker spends around $120 weekly on food, with a marked preference for fresh and authentic products. This figure represents approximately 12% of their income, reflecting the importance of food in Latino culture.

Among the best-selling Latin foods in the U.S., the following stand out:

Tortillas: Leading sales with annual growth of 10%. Salsas: Especially pico de gallo style tomato sauce and guacamole. Canned beans: A staple in the Latino diet that has seen a 15% increase in sales. Rice: Varieties such as jasmine and basmati rice are gaining popularity. Fresh cheeses: Such as queso fresco and Oaxaca cheese. Beverages: Aguas frescas and Latin sodas have experienced 12% growth.

Regions with the highest concentration of Hispanic population, such as California, Texas, and Florida, show a 15% increase in the availability of these products in conventional supermarkets.

Latino consumers are increasingly seeking ingredients to prepare traditional dishes at home, driving an 8% growth in the Latin condiments and sauces category.

Nostalgia plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions. 68% of Latino consumers say they buy certain foods because they remind them of their country of origin or their family's cuisine.

This has led to an increase in demand for products such as queso fresco, artisanal tortillas, and tropical beverages. Food companies are adapting their strategies to cater to this expanding market.

There is a 20% increase in the launch of new products inspired by Latin cuisine, with emphasis on healthy and convenient options that adapt to the busy lifestyle of the modern consumer. In terms of preferences, there is a balance between fresh (55%) and packaged (45%) products.

Demand for organic and healthy Latino products has increased by 20% in recent years.

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The impact of social media is significant, with a 200% increase in Latin food-related content on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok between 2020 and 2023.The future of the Latin food market in the U.S. looks promising, with projections indicating sustained growth of 7% annually over the next five years.

The fusion of traditional flavors with contemporary culinary trends suggests a diverse and exciting panorama for the American palate. It's important to note that the success of these segments is partly due to their adoption by non-Latino consumers, as well as the growth of the Hispanic population in the United States.

Additionally, the trend towards "authentic" food and the exploration of international flavors has benefited many Latin food products.

Total value of imports

(most recent year available, 2023): Approximately $42.5 billion US dollars.

Total volume: Around 25 million metric tons.

Top 5 exporting countries in the region: Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia.

Top 10 most imported food products:

Fruits and nuts: $15.2 billion

Fresh vegetables: $8.7 billion

Beverages (including wine and beer): $5.1 billion

Fish and seafood: $3.9 billionCoffee, tea, and spices: $2.8 billion

Fruit and vegetable preparations: $2.5 billion

Cocoa and its preparations: $1.6 billion Meat and meat products: $1.4 billion

Sugars and confectionery products: $1.2 billion

Cereals and their preparations: $0.9 billion

Growth trends (2019-2023)

2019: $38.1 billion

2020: $39.5 billion (+3.7%)

2021: $40.8 billion (+3.3%)

2022: $41.7 billion (+2.2%)

2023: $42.5 billion (+1.9%)

Average annual growth: 2.8%

Main sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service U.S., Census Bureau, UN Comtrade Database.

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