Latin flavor is 'in' … and catching on! The first Fispal Latino Food Fair & Forum presents ideas for packaging designs and equipment for the growing Hispanic market

Food & Drug Packaging, Feb, 2005

In 2002, approximately 40 million Latinos lived in the United States. It is estimated that by 2007, the Latino population in the U.S. will grow approximately 9.5% and that one out of every eight Americans will be Hispanic.

This population, although well adapted to the eating habits of the American environment, has not abandoned its deeply rooted family traditions. They retain a diet that reminds them of their ancestors and homelands--plus they are adding exotic flavor to the American diet.

In 2002, the consumption of food products by Latinos in the U.S. exceeded $581 billion. Even more surprising is the fact that Americans have also been enjoying the pleasures of drinking a passion fruit juice, dulce de leche ice cream and--as a sign of the demand for Latin flavors--chefs at Disney World have been desperately seeking the Peruvian fruit lucuma to prepare some of their dishes.

In a nutshell: Latino is in.

The stage is set

The first Fispal Latino Food Fair & Forum 2005, organized by food-marketing expert FISPAL, takes place May 4-6 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Key suppliers of Latino products from all over the world will be able to meet with North American buyers and conduct the business transactions that will move the U.S economy. It will be an opportunity for Americans to wet their palates as they become more familiar with Latin cuisine and make it part of their everyday eating habits.

FISPAL Latino has the support of FISPAL, a firm that is widely recognized for its 20 years of experience organizing food fairs.

"We want the average American to see that Latin food is not limited to ethnic market outlets, but that they can find it in major supermarkets," explains Oscar Dominguez, president, FISPAL Latino.

FISPAL Latino organizers have invited close to 100,000 people, including representatives from restaurants, supermarkets, food brokers, importing companies, hotels, and cruise ships--all of whom will be able to appreciate the variety of food products coming from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Mexico, Portugal and Nicaragua.

More on the fair

Within the fair there will be areas specifically designated for food technology and packaging, franchise and services exhibits.

* The first will demonstrate Latin America food-processing and packaging equipment, as well as finished packages and design ideas for both retail and foodservice products.

* The second will gather a sample of Latin food franchises that have been successful in the U.S., such as Don Pan.

* The Services exhibit will bring together companies providing specialized food transportation, customs, health and food safety expertise and legal counsel, among others.

According to Dominguez, large supermarket chains plan to substantially increase the number of Latin products on their shelves.

"FISPAL Latino will finally introduce interested buyers and offer an opportunity to directly meet the suppliers from whom they can order the products they want," he adds. "The Fair will serve as the bridge for buyers and sellers to conduct their business."

For more information on Fispal Latino Food Fair & Forum 2005, call 305-779-3045; e-mail o.dominguez@cefapusa.com; or visit www.fispal.com/fispallatino/.