By 2060, Hispanics are expected to account for 30% of the U.S. population, and with their numbers, their influence on foodservice is growing.

As the Hispanic population grows in the U.S., so does its influence on the foodservice industry.

Technomic’s Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report explores how this consumer group has and will continue to shape foodservice. Some 41% of Hispanic consumers claim to use foodservice twice a week or more often, up from 36% in 2013. Technomic’s study identifies opportunities to appeal to Hispanic consumers by emphasizing healthy eating, connection to family and authenticity, which this group tends to prioritize more than other consumers.

“Hispanics prioritize eating meals with family, and they feel strongly that restaurants are an ideal place to spend time with family,” explained Sara Monnette, senior director of consumer insights for Technomic. “There is a greater opportunity to gain Hispanics’ loyalty, as they’re visiting foodservice locations, especially coffee shops and family-style concepts, more often than the general population.”

In addition to measuring consumers’ foodservice drivers and behavior, the Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report provides a portrait of Hispanic consumers, spotlights concepts that resonate strongly with Hispanics and explores relevant industry and menu trends. Operator and manufacturer marketing teams can easily leverage the report’s key themes, which include:

• Word of mouth is very important: 46% of Hispanic consumers often ask for restaurant recommendations from friends/family, vs. 29% of the general population
• The Top Three Hispanic-style entrees this group is most likely to order are carne asada (54%), burritos (42%) and fajitas/tacos (37% each)
• Hispanic consumers want more Hispanic foods: 38% think American-style restaurants should offer some Hispanic flavors on the menu, up from 33% in 2013

The Hispanic Foodservice Consumer Trend Report is one of many in Technomic’s Consumer Trend Report series, offering the most current analysis, insight and opportunities to help grow your business. Our best-in-class intelligence combines nearly 50 years of foodservice expertise with critical findings from more than 30,000 annual consumer interviews and analysis of 7,000 menus.