Autor: Nelson Pereira

The electoral victory of self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City marks a historic milestone: he is the first Muslim mayor and the youngest person in more than a century to lead the city. Driven by a platform squarely focused on the “cost-of-living crisis,” one of his most ambitious and controversial proposals is to create a pilot network of five city-run supermarkets, one in each borough.This idea — aimed directly at reducing checkout prices — poses a fundamental dilemma for the retail sector and New York’s economy: is it a vital opportunity to fight food insecurity,…

As the federal government faces another budget impasse, uncertainty continues to grow around the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides support to more than 42 million Americans. The potential funding shortfall has reignited a national debate on food access—and underscored the essential role of the private sector, particularly Hispanic retailers and community-based businesses, in ensuring food security for vulnerable families.This week, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not authorized to use its $5 billion contingency reserve if SNAP funds are depleted during a government shutdown. Without those emergency…

Date: October 2025.  Washington, D.C. — During the first ten months of 2025, the U.S. supermarket industry has entered a phase of relative stability after several years of high inflation and global supply challenges. According to an analysis by The Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce (HRCOC), three major trends have defined the grocery landscape this year: moderating food inflation, the rapid rise of fresh-format stores, and the continued growth of private-label brands. “The U.S. grocery sector is entering a new cycle defined by price awareness, convenience, and cultural diversity,”said Daniel Esteban Novoa, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of HRCOC. “For…

New Orleans, LA — Langenstein’s, which describes itself as the oldest family-owned grocery company in New Orleans, has a new owner.Local independent grocer Robért Fresh Market has agreed to acquire the three-store Langenstein’s chain and will rebrand the locations under the Robért Fresh Market banner, the companies announced. “This was not an easy decision for our family,” said Ellis Lanaux, President and CEO of Langenstein’s, founded by his great-great-grandfather in 1922. “We are proud of the legacy Langenstein’s has built and grateful to the generations of customers who have welcomed us into their homes.” Lanaux added that he believes Robért…

Opportunity for Latin American Producers to Enter U.S. Supermarkets Every year on October 1, the world celebrates International Coffee Day, honoring one of the most beloved and consumed beverages on the planet. Coffee is more than an agricultural product — it is culture, identity, and the economic backbone for millions of families across Latin America. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador, República Dominicana, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico stand among the world’s top coffee producers and exporters, and their beans are recognized globally for their quality,  tradition, and character. 🌍 A Market That Keeps Growing…

Generational Shift: Younger Grocery Shoppers Flock to Discount Retailers While Boomers Stick to Traditional Supermarkets New research reveals changing shopping habits across generations, with digital ads, mobile tools, and social media emerging as key touchpoints for grocers to stay relevant. According to a new report from The Feedback Group, grocery shoppers from Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X are gravitating toward discount-driven formats such as Walmart, Aldi, dollar stores, and club stores. In contrast, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation remain more loyal to traditional supermarkets. The study, based on a survey of 1,100 grocery shoppers, highlights a sharp decline…

Washington, D.C. – In a conversation with Daniel Esteban Novoa, Executive Vice President of the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce, he tells us that in recent years, the retail sector has experienced a strong consolidation trend, driven by changes in consumer behavior, technology, logistical challenges, and regulatory and trade pressures. Between 2024 and 2025, several strategic transactions stood out, reflecting companies’ pursuit of greater scale, supply chain efficiency, omnichannel presence, and access to new market segments. Key Transactions Walgreens Boots Alliance was acquired by Sycamore Partners for approximately USD 10 billion. The deal marks a significant move to reshape one of…

Supermarket Sales –September 2025: Meat, Bakery, Fresh, and Frozen Foods Fresh meat sales rose 9.7% in July, driven not only by inflation but also by strong consumer demand. Sales in pounds increased 2.5% compared to last year, according to the latest monthly category reports from 210 Analytics and Circana. Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics, highlighted that consumers continue to shop cautiously, making more frequent trips and seeking deals. Circana data shows that 96% of Americans remain concerned about food costs, with 65% monitoring grocery spending closely and 30% stocking up on deals, while private-label brands continue to gain popularity.…

Slower spending drives preference for value brands and specialty stores, highlighting growth opportunities for the retail sector. In 2025, the purchasing behavior of Hispanic consumers in the United States reflects greater financial caution, with household spending growth at just 0.8%, compared to 3.2% in 2024. This trend is driven by macroeconomic factors such as inflation and economic uncertainty, but also reveals a market that is constantly adapting. Hispanic consumers are increasingly showing a preference for value brands and private-label products, strengthening the market position of chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Publix. At the same time, specialty stores and…

Brazil Maintains Solid Growth in Exports to the United States Despite Tariffs Miami FL, September 2025 – Brazilian exports to the United States continue to show positive performance in 2025, consolidating Brazil’s position as a strategic trading partner in the North American market. According to official data, between January and July 2025, Brazil exported US$30.94 billion to the US, with a trade surplus of US$4.89 billion. In July, exports reached US$3.71 billion, representing nearly 12% of the country’s total exports for that month. Compared to 2024, there was a 5% increase in volume. Highlighted Sectors Coffee: Although coffee faces a…