Has Mexican Food Become America’s Cuisine?

Few can pass up a good taco, salsa, or burrito. That same extends to a cool margarita, a cinnamon churro, or a delicious gordita. Zooming out a bit, actor Mark Wahlberg recently announced the opening …

American Consumers Embrace the Arepa

America is a melting pot filled with diverse backgrounds and, of course, countless unique dishes. If anything unites the nation in 2024, it’s a love of food. And, while food is important, the main objective …

Walmart Eyes Guatemala, Costa Rica

Central America’s burgeoning population is proving an attractive target for Walmart, which announced its plans to invest $1.3 billion in Guatemala and Costa Rica in the next five years. Cristina Ronski, who heads up the …

Why Hormel Foods Employs a Cultural Anthropologist

Dr. Rodriguez is thrilled to live in a time when underrepresented voices, cultures, and cuisines can easily take the world by viral storm. She’s quick to point out that for many cuisines, blanket terms like “Mexican” or “Asian” just don’t do it anymore – the people, and the food, deserve more.

Tequila is Sweet, Smoky, and Everywhere

For many, what began as a collegiate shot has now transformed into an at-home staple, a favorite party mixer, and a ready-to-drink refrigerated option. Tequila continues to capture consumers wherever and however they drink as …

Latin Food Brands Fighting to Stand Out Via Healthier-for-you Products

ANAHEIM, Calif. – American shoppers seeking Latin food demand healthier-for-you items – as well as heat. Those were the common sentiments among Mexican vendors at the recent Expo West 2024 trade show. “People are saying, …

The Amazon’s Surprising Origin and Insights for the Future

The Amazon rainforest conjures images of pristine, verdant forests, a tropical paradise largely untouched by modern civilization. (At least, in the areas safe from deforestation.) But could this complex tapestry of biodiversity actually be the …

A Latin Restaurant’s Masterclass on Creating Word-of-Mouth

EAGAN, Minnesota – When the El Sazon Tacos & More takeout location opened in suburban Minneapolis, co-owner Karen De Leon half expected to see tumbleweeds roll through the rented facility. “When we first walked in, …

Analysis: What Argentina’s Raging Inflation Means for Latin America

Argentina is suffering its worst bout of inflation in more than three decades as citizens look to the nascent government of President Javier Milei to fix the problems created by decades of economic crisis. INDEC, …

Latin Comfort Foods Winning Over Gen Z Americans

Mac-and-cheese, meatloaf, grilled cheese and tomato soup: quintessential comfort foods. But the U.S. palate is evolving trending toward spicier concoctions, especially those that hail from Latin America, explaining the rising popularity of such items as …

Avocado Growing Destroying Mexican Forests

From avocado toast to tortilla chips and guacamole, Americans love avocados – and that love affair is destroying Mexico’s forests, draining water supplies from traditional crops and creating a new revenue stream for the drug …

Acclaimed Chef: Evolution of Mexican Food Has Only Just Begun

Mexican Chef Iliana de la Vega, a 2022 James Beard Award winner, grew up at a time when her native country’s food never was considered fine dining. And then her grandmother started sending care packages …

Energy Drink Brands Making Inroads in Latin America

According to a Statista report, the global revenue of energy and sports drinks reached approximately $159 billion in 2021 and is estimated to increase to $233 billion by 2027. While the U.S. largely dominates the …

5 Yucatán Dishes Surging in Popularity

Mexican food has gathered steam in America for years, evidenced by the fact that Taco Bell and Chipotle currently rank among the top 10 QSRs in the U.S. in terms of systemwide sales. Now, a …

Peru Filling Gap in Grape Demand

Extreme weather in California this year has had a negative impact on the grape crop, forcing buyers to shift their attention to growing regions in South America, affecting stocks left for that market. “California, a …

Latam Food Week Highlights Region’s Healthy Cuisine

Experts note that Latin foods, which rely mostly on plant-based ingredients, can be quite healthy, playing to many consumers’ current focus on wellness. That was a key point of emphasis earlier this week during Latam …

Beliv Exec: Innovation, Sustainability Key to Growing Brands in Latin America

The non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink beverage category appears poised for significant growth. Consider: in 2023 the revenue in the non-alcoholic drinks market amounts to $53.1 billion dollars. Beliv, a fast-growing, better-for-you beverage brand, is eager to seize …

CPG Brands Adapting Marketing Messages to Reach Latin Consumers

According to a recent Kantar report, Latin America is home to nearly 40% of the global CPG and FMCG brands that are growing. Here’s a look at the most popular CPG brands in Latin America, …

The Latin American Flavor Takeover: How Latam is Revolutionizing U.S. F&B

As the Hispanic Heritage Month approaches this September, the spotlight shines on the vibrant and ever-growing influence of Latin American cuisine on mainstream culinary trends in the U.S. The Food Institute’s upcoming Latam Food Week …

Restaurant Rankings Illustrate Popularity of Latin American Cuisine

It appears we’re in the middle of a Latin American food renaissance. Twelve Latin American restaurants are among the fifty best restaurants in the world according to a recent ranking – and three Latin establishments …

The Food Institute Announces Media Partnership with Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo

New York City, July 11, 2023 (FI NEWSWIRE) – The Food Institute (FI), a leading food industry research and media company, is pleased to announce its collaboration with the upcoming Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade …

Analysis: Assessing Modelo Especial’s Ascent in America

For the first time, Mexican beer Modelo Especial recently became the top-selling beer in North America, surpassing Bud Light, which had been the number one beer for two decades. Modelo’s ascent in North America begs …

Innovative Agrifoodtech Startups Abound in Latin America

Latin America is known for being one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and, therefore, the main supplier of all kinds of F&B items, such as meat, coffee, soy, and cacao. At present, …

4 Movements Impacting Retail in Latin America

Adapting to inflation, changing consumer preferences, and omnichannel has been a challenge for Latin America’s grocery industry. Nevertheless, in the past few years, retailers in Latin America have developed innovative strategies to create resilient products …

3 Key Trends Reshaping Latin Cuisine

Latin America has a large cultural richness which is reflected in its cuisine. Every dish tells a story of the region’s cultural heritage. Latin American cuisine is characterized by diversity of flavors, textures and colors …

Latin America’s Gen Z Consumers Evolving Rapidly

Gen Z consumers in Latin America are evolving rapidly and reshaping the market. And that fact has created a few challenges – as well as opportunities – for companies like those in the food sector. …

3 Key Trends Impacting the Latin American Food Industry

The Latin American food landscape is evolving. The food industry is undergoing significant changes to meet the population´s demand – and to address current challenges. In 2023 the world in general is being affected by …

The Food Institute Launches FI Latam Content Platform

NEW YORK, April 13, 2023/FINewswire/– The Food Institute, the leading source for food industry news, data, and trends, announced today the official launch of “FI Latam” – The Food Institute’s Latin America-focused content platform. Elements …