Sales of ethnic foods in the U.S. are set to reach a record high of $2.2 billion in 2009, according to Chicago-based market research firm Mintel. The reasons: The United States has an expanding ethnic population, more Americans are traveling internationally, cooking shows using ethnic ingredients have boomed in popularity and more people are cooking due to the economic downturn. While Mexican cuisine represents two-thirds of sales within the ethnic-food segment, Asian and Indian foods are driving the market’s increase, with 11 percent and 35 percent growth, respectively, between 2006 and 2008.
20% Forecasted growth of the U.S. ethnic foods market between 2010 and 2014.
2/3 Portion of people who prefer to cook ethnic meals “from scratch.” The remaining third prefer heat-and-serve meals.
Source: Mintel
