California Grocers Embrace Diverse Cultures, Changing Market

Perhaps no state better reflects the increasing diversity of the nation than California, with some 38 million residents comprising both large Hispanic and Asian populations. The grocery industry has been keen to provide authentic, fresh food and products that each community and ethnic group is seeking.

“Independent retailers have done an excellent job of making their stores unique and designed specifically for the cultures they serve,” said Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association. “They have a real hometown feel to them.

“In California, the Hispanic population is growing. Both Northgate [Gonzalez Market] and Superior [Grocers] are growing and have opened new stores.”

Superior Grocers plans to open a new location next month in Bakersfield. Fong added that Emart, South Korea’s largest retailer, and the owner of Good Food Holdings – a California-based company of Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres Market and Metropolitan Market – has announced plans to open a store in Los Angeles. No opening date has been set.