The two Mexican cheese-focused brands that Sigma markets in the US are both enjoying strong growth, said Melanie Carrasquillo, the company’s director of Hispanic brands.

From a retailer’s perspective, private-label programs allow for greater control over product offerings, said Richard Kendall, director of customer development – retail for Aspire Bakeries.

Specific regional styles of barbecue, such as Kansas City-style ribs and Hawaiian-style barbecue chicken, are gaining traction, reflecting a growing demand for regional specialties.

Hispanic cheese category giant Tropical Cheese Industries recently received a big financial boost to expand even further.

Combinations of sweet and spicy and other flavor innovations are a hallmark of new grilling meats from Hormel and other producers.

In 2013, just 9% of consumers believed that case-ready meats were better quality than meats packaged in the store, according to Power of Meat. Now, 33% do.

Fresh Del Monte continues to see increasing interest in convenient, ready-to-eat options, as well as growing demand for healthier food choices.

Hobart Food Prep Equipment’s FP300i and FP400i continuous-feed floor model food processors are ideal for processing fruits in grocery store commissary kitchens, said Carolyn Bilger, Hobart’s marketing director.

The record-breaking IDDBA 2025 show featured more than 1,000 exhibitors, 238 of them first-timers, June 1-3 in New Orleans.