Carrying the right product mix in a Hispanic-format store depends on the specific Hispanic nationalities prevalent within a particular area, said Luis de la Mata, president of consulting firm Churchtree, Los Angeles.
“Hispanic stores need to be aware of the communities they serve, and identify themselves with them,” he said. Among the examples of regional food and brand preferences are:
Southern California: Mexican-style Cacique cheeses, Industry, Calif.; El Mexicano dairy and canned goods, San Jose, Calif.; Lala milk, Torreón, Mexico; La Victoria sauces and jalapenos, Los Angeles; Juanita's hominy, Wilmington, Calif.; Del Valle juices, Houston; and Springfield canned and other packaged goods, Los Angeles.
Northeast U.S.: Goya canned and other packaged goods, Secaucus, N.J.; Cafe Bustelo coffee, Miami; Tropical cheeses and dairy products, Perth Amboy, N.J.; Gamesa cookies, Nuevo León, Mexico; Badia spices and condiments, Miami.
Miami: Knorr Soups and bouillon, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.; Iberia canned and other packaged goods, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Carbonell cooking oil, Madrid, Spain; La Lechonera seasonings, Miami; and Jumex fruit juices, Antigüa Carretera, Mexico.