TARGET SELECTS IMUSA, GETS HOOKED ON HISPANIC HOUSEWARES

June, 2008 – Target Store’s promise of innovation and commitment to community is bolstered by the introduction of IMUSA housewares products in select stores nationwide.

The emergence of Hispanics as the largest minority group in the US, and its consequent culinary imprint is impacting what’s available in grocery and kitchen stores, and at large retailers like Target.   Salsa and hot sauce sales surpass ketchup. Tortillas enable the popular “wrap” sandwich. And avocados, mangos and cilantro can now be found in virtually every produce department.

The IMUSA collection at Target provides shoppers with an extensive array of housewares products for cooking Latin favorites, from arroz con pollo to tamales and everything in between.   From saucepans and calderos, to comals, griddles, grills and kitchen gadgets, IMUSA and Target offer US cooks a complete line of cookware, tools, and accessories for preparing authentic Hispanic cuisine at home.

Serving the specific needs of the community is a core value shared by both IMUSA and Target.  In creating its brand for the US market, IMUSA USA took a close look at the diverse, ever changing Hispanic market and how its needs were being met. (more…)

FACT SHEET: IMUSA COOKWARE

WHO:IMUSA Cookware

WHAT: A just-released study by Inteligencia Qualitative Research, a Florida-based research group, confirms that IMUSA®, Latin America’s favorite cookware, is also the cookware brand preferred by Latin cooks in the US.

IMUSA cookware is exactly what you need to cook all your Latin favorites, from arroz con pollo to tortillas and everything in between. From saucepans and stock pots to comals, griddles and grills, IMUSA offers US cooks a complete line of cookware, tools, and accessories for preparing authentic Hispanic cuisine at home.

• Cast aluminum Calderos for cooking rice and beans, braising meats and simmering
• Cast iron, cast aluminum and carbon steel Comals, a griddle used for warming and frying
• Tamaleras, very large (12-21 qt.) stock pots used for steaming tamales.
• Specialty items including Fajita Sizzlers, griddles and grills, Molinillos, Mexican chocolate whisks and tortilla, empanada and arepa accessories
• Complete lines of sauce pans, skillets and griddles made out of a variety of materials including pre-seasoned cast iron, nonstick carbon steel and aluminum.
• Kitchen tools and gadgets including can openers, spatulas, steamers, turners, and presses.

WHY:In 2008, Hispanics became the largest minority in the US. With larger-than-average families and a strong interest in from-scratch cooking (spending nearly 25% more than other groups on food consumed at home, they are creating an explosive and resounding impact on food, cooking and dining trends in the US. (more…)

IMUSA EXPANDS AS HISPANIC CATEGORY GROWS
Introduces New Cookware and New Gadget Lines

July, 2008 – IMUSA, the nation’s most complete and authentic brand of Hispanic cookware and accessories, is adding a complete line of gourmet quality carbon steel cookware and two new comprehensive lines of kitchen tools and gadgets to its existing range of Hispanic cookware, kitchen tools and accessories.

According to Manny Gaunaurd, president of IMUSA, “IMUSA’s growth as a company parallels the growth and prosperity of the entire Hispanic community in the US.  As the Hispanic housewares leader, we will continue to introduce IMUSA product lines that appeal to and serve the needs of each Hispanic consumer segment and the retailers who serve them.  In creating its brand for the US market, IMUSA reflects the pulse of the diverse, ever changing Hispanic market.

“It is essential to understand the subtle nuances of marketing to the diverse Hispanic audience. There is tremendous potential in this market.  To maximize this real estate, it is essential to understand cultural nuances amongst the Hispanic populations,” states Manny Gaunaurd, president, IMUSA.  “Our hallmark is to work closely with retail partners, large and small, to develop specific programs based on individual Hispanic communities in regions across the country.” (more…)

STUDY FINDS HISPANICS HOOKED ON HOME COOKING, AUTHENTIC COOKWARE

Doral, FL– Salsa and hot sauce sales surpass ketchup. Tortillas enable the popular “wrap” sandwich. And avocados, mangos and cilantro can now be found in virtually every produce department.  There is a new force in the kitchen as “Hispanic” is weaving its way into all U.S. food and beverage categories.  Culinary fare ranging from arroz con pollo to tortillas and everything in between are no longer considered exotic in mainstream American culture thanks to the culinary influence of the Hispanic population, now the country’s largest minority group.

With Hispanic food and beverage sales projected to increase from $5.7 billion in 2006 to nearly $8.4 billion in 2011, there’s no denying Hispanic cultural influence in the American kitchen.  Just like most Americans stir fry in their woks without giving a thought to “cooking Asian”, the Hispanic influence in the mainstream American kitchen is on the rise.  As this trend in Hispanic foods and tradition expands, mainstream cooks who want to make authentic Hispanic cuisine part of their everyday cooking will be interested in a recent study of Hispanic cooking and cookware. (more…)