Ethnic Market Beckons Vendors

Vending operators have begun to recognize the rising number of ethnic consumers. Vending operators on the lookout for ethnic products are having an easier time than they were a few years ago. You as an Antares vending operator should also recognize the rising demand for ethnic products. The industry as a whole, however, seems to be slow to recognize the need to cater to this growing market.

Ethnic market expands

A survey that was conducted has found that the vending customer base is becoming more ethnically diverse. This is consistent with government data, which indicates the rising immigration. The biggest gain in the ethnic market has been Hispanic customers.

Operators that have met ethnic demands have reported positive results. The challenge you will face as an Antares vending operator will be in determining how much of the product mix should be geared to the ethnic audience when the customer base is mixed

Ethnic products for all categories

Popular ethnic products that have been offered are salted snacks, followed by food. The reason for this is that this category has offered the greatest product variety for several years, and also snack machines like the Antares vending machine, have more facings than other types of machines.

The food category ranked a close second in the percent of ethnic products being offered. Mexican handheld food products such as tacos and burritos have naturally lent themselves to single serve food packaging. This is the one category where ethnic products have gained a foothold among non ethnic Americans in addition to being popular among Hispanic consumers.

Vending operators have also provided ethnic choices in the cold drink category. This is following salted snacks and food. Antares vending machines sell snacks and drinks, so selling ethnic products from your vending machines will be convenient. The Jarritos soft drinks have proven to be quite popular in the last three years. They have become popular in the non ethnic communities as well.

Vending operators have found it necessary to carry products that cater to ethnic communities, because ethnic communities are continually rising in number. A recent survey indicates that product manufactures are a few steps ahead of operators in meeting this need.