Hispanic Foods and Beverages Projected to Flourish

NEW YORK — Sales of Hispanic food and beverages will grow from almost $5.7 billion in 2006 to nearly $8.4 billion in 2011, according to market research firm Packaged Facts. As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, more Americans will be eating Latin-inspired foods. Packaged Facts projects that five Hispanic food and beverage categories will experience double-digit growth during the 2007-2011 forecast period: entrees/handheld items, fruits/vegetables, meat, milk/milk-style beverages and yogurt/cultured dairy drinks. "The yearning to experiment with all foods Hispanic has practically become a Latin fever in the United States," said Packaged Facts publisher Tatjana Meerman. "To catch this wave, food processors and chefs alike have to make a serious effort and investment to acquire the right ingredients. The good news is that Latin flavors are becoming more and more accessible and affordable."

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