Habits of the Hispanic Shopper the Highlight of Live MeatAMI.com Web Chat Monday

Washington, DC - Thomas Opinion Research President Rosita Thomas will discuss the results of her trend study on the purchase habits of Hispanic shoppers during a live MeatAMI.com web chat Monday, June 18, 2001 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Recently released U.S. Census statistics show the Hispanic population in America grew nearly 58 percent over the last decade - from 22.4 million in 1990 to 35.3 million in 2000. The total U.S. population increased by 13.2 percent over the same time period.

The Census Bureau projects the Hispanic population will reach 96.5 million by the middle of the next century. That’s nearly 25 percent of the total population. Thomas’ research answers important questions retailers and food processors have about this rapidly growing segment of the population. Topics will include:

What traditional foods Hispanics would purchase if they were available in their local grocery stores
How often Hispanic shoppers use service areas like delis
What products Hispanics buy for their cultural lifestyle
How long Hispanics generally live in the U.S. before their “comfort level” allows them to try American foods

Feel free to visit the Ask the Expert section in advance of the chat to view information about the scheduled chat as well as upcoming chats. You will find this information in the left-hand column beneath the “About AMI” section. Select “Click for details.”

If you cannot participate in the chat, feel free to submit a question in advance. A transcript of the chat will appear in the Ask the Expert section a few days after the chat. MeatAMI.com chats are great opportunities to log time with guest experts and to learn more about important issues in the meat and poultry industry.

Below are some helpful hints and instructions to help participants make the most of this regular feature on MeatAMI.com.

The section will change at least five minutes prior to the chat and there will be a button that says "Join chat now." Participants will then enter their name where indicated. An AMI staff member will log on as MODERATOR. The guest expert will make an opening statement after which visitors are welcome to ask their questions. The moderator also will introduce questions that have been posted on the site in advance.

Type questions in the horizontal, single-line box at the bottom of the chat screen, which can only be viewed when you have logged onto the chat. Simply place the cursor there and begin typing. There is no limit to the amount of text that can be entered here.

Access the site using Internet Explorer rather than Netscape. The chat function works much better through Explorer.

Questions will appear only after hitting a hard return. Text will NOT scroll as it is typed, as it does on some chat programs. We recommend hitting a hard return after each sentence or two or at appropriate junctures.

AMI represents the interests of packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey products and their suppliers throughout North America. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute provides legislative, regulatory and public relations services, conducts scientific and economic research, offers marketing and technical assistance and sponsors education programs.