Among the fastest growing segments of the in-store bakery market, Hispanic supermarket chains continue to open new stores with bakeries and tortillerias as predominant features of the stores. Freshco International Supermarkets expanded in Central Florida during the past few months with new stores in Orange City, Kissimmee and Orlando. Part of the United Supermarket Group Inc. of Orlando, Freschco bakeries specialize in Cuban and Puerto Rican breads made fresh in-store.
While mainstream grocery chains, such as Publix and Wal-Mart, have been expanding their Hispanic product lines and store formats, Freshco and other Hispanic supermarkets are finding this niche yet untapped. Many also are filling voids in market areas that other national chains have left behind. This month, for example, Freshco Supermarket opened in a former Food Lion store in Orlando. Similar expansion can be seen in Southern California, Texas and other market areas with long established Hispanic populations.
A positive influence on the baking industry, many Hispanic supermarket companies view in-store baking as an essential part of their brand and a necessity for their customers.