NEW YORK, -- Hispanics have become the most important U.S. demographic growth driver in the food, beverage and restaurant sectors, according to data presented by Latinum Network (www.latinumnetwork.com) during the Sanford C. Bernstein Investor Conference Call today. The U.S. Hispanic segment made up more than 50% of real growth in the midst of a stagnant U.S. consumer economy between 2005 and 2008, with $52 billion of new inflation-adjusted Hispanic spending outpacing $40 billion of new spending by non-Hispanics. This growth can be attributed primarily to an increase in the number of U.S. Hispanic households, and secondly to an increase in consumer spending among U.S. Hispanics. In the food, beverage and restaurant business, this new spending offset most (84%) of the real decline in demand across the entire $1 trillionsector. This divergence in demand is driven mainly by differences in ethnic preferences, economic and cultural integration, and demographics. Among Latinum's key findings: According to Alexia Howard, Senior Research Analyst-US Foods at Sanford C. Bernstein, "With total U.S. Hispanic household spending expected to top $1 trillion by 2013, and emerging markets around the world (such as China or India) fraught with political risk and hidden costs, institutional investors have a unique opportunity to look homeward. We see the growth in food, beverage and restaurants here as a particularly interesting opportunity for our investors. Especially with the relative stability of Hispanic demographics, this growth can be reliably predicted through 2050." Says David Wellisch, co-founder and principal of Latinum Network, "Clearly, U.S. Hispanics represent a growing market in the midst of a mature U.S. consumer economy, but in order to win over this important demo, brands must make an authentic appeal to the unique behaviors and tastes of U.S. Hispanics through distinct products, channels, messaging and marketing strategies." For example, while younger Hispanics have higher levels of English proficiency and economic achievement due to having more education than their older counterparts, Spanish usage and preference remain high as consumers acculturate, giving companies expanded options for in-language and multichannel advertising and marketing strategies which appeal to a broader portion of the market. About Latinum Network Latinum Network is a business network that assists brands in taking advantage of the growing U.S. Hispanic market through collaboration, networking and cutting-edge research. The company was established by David Wellisch, founder and former GM of AOL Latino, and Michael Klein, former top executive at the Corporate Executive Board, the world's largest business network provider. Latinum Network assists executives and their teams in developing deeper insights into the market, more effective strategies for the segment, and the solutions required to successfully design and execute core marketing initiatives. Latinum Network enables CMOs and other designated executives to identify shared challenges, interests and best practices, then apply analytical rigor and original content creation to develop solutions. For more information, visit www.latinumnetwork.com. SOURCE Latinum Network