demographics that are skewing heavily Latino, there are now more opportunities for Hispanic entrepreneurs and business owners to succeed than ever before in the food industry. Potential opportunities include grocery chains, restaurants (fast food and full service), small mom-and-pop bodegas, franchises, growers and food processing, transportation and distribution. With a focus on education, compet
itive member programs and aggressive marketing campaigns we seek to stimulate the influence and impact of Latinos in the food industry. Hispanics have become the most important demographic growth driver in the food, beverage and restaurant sectors. Latino population is growing exponentially compared to non-Hispanics. With an estimated 54 million Latino men and women representing 17% of the U.S. population and a purchasing power is over $1 trillion it is easy to see how this consumer market has infuenced the food and beverage industries in the U.S. Latinos grew restaurant visits while non-Hispanic visits declined. At home, the Hispanic population combined with their adherence to dining traditions is beginning to infuence national consumption patterns. Fresh and from scratch are the most common food forms in Latino meal preparation. Stove top preparation dominates Latino meals more than non-Latino meals due to the types of dishes being prepared.
