Growth of the U.S. Hispanic population -- combined with their adherence to dining traditions -- is beginning to influence national consumption patterns.
In a recent first quarter earnings release, West Coast restaurant operator Real Mex, Cypress, Calif., noted that -- although restaurant sales are down -- the company is continuing to expand its manufacturing.
The expanding appetite for Latino cuisine among non-Hispanic Americans -- combined with the rapid increase in the United States' Hispanic population -- will be a boon for the $7 billion market.
With an expanding ethnic population calling the United States "home," a new report from Chicago researcher Mintel shows sales of ethnic foods have climbed steadily since 2004.