Tortilla Industry Tops $6 Billion

Study Shows Small Firms and Product Diversity Are Contributing to Industry Growth

Tortillas have moved mainstream and the ethnic flatbread once considered an Hispanic specialty item now is often the substitute for traditional breads in today's American diet. Tortillas, and related by-products (tortilla chips, tostadas and taco shells) comprise the record-breaking $6.1 billion tortilla industry.

According to the recent findings of the Tortilla Industry Association's (TIA) new market research study, The State of the Tortilla Industry: 2004, conducted by Aspex Research, small firms with annual revenue of less than $10 million are a significant presence in the industry.

The continued popularity of tortillas, fueled in part by the infusion of new flavors such as jalapeno, tomato, spinach, salsa and cilantro, has contributed to the more than eight percent industry growth annually for nearly a decade.

The study shows that total market sales to retailers and food service outlets (restaurants and schools) are about equal. While the South Central (e.g. TX) and West regions (e.g., CA & AZ) represent the industry's largest markets or 63 percent of the total U.S. market, the Northeast region is narrowing the gap representing 20 percent of the demand. According to survey results, 60 percent of all products sold are fresh products as opposed to frozen or refrigerated.

Consumption is on the rise among Hispanics and non-Hispanics and the industry projects a 10 percent growth over the next few years. Expect to see more flavors, various sizes and low-fat products to satisfy discriminating palates everywhere. From traditional Hispanic cuisine to innovative dessert wraps, tortillas have far surpassed tradition into mainstream households and menus across the country.

ABOUT THE TORTILLA INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The State of the Tortilla Industry Survey is conducted every two years to measure growth and capture information about key issues that influence the tortilla market.

The Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1990 to serve the emerging tortilla industry, now the fastest growing segment of the baking industry, and assist companies in the tortilla industry in management, education and product promotion activities. Based in Addison, Texas, it has more than 160 members including tortilla manufacturers, suppliers and distributors around the world and companies with interests in the growing $6.1 billion tortilla industry. TIA is the nationally recognized representative for companies in the tortilla industry. For more information, please visit: http://www.tortilla-info.com/

Source: Tortilla Industry Association
DALLAS, Oct. 5, 2005 /PRNewswire/ --

Green Corn Tamales

Authentic Mexican gifts and packages at MexGrocer.com