A Golden Opportunity for Companies to Engage Latinos as a Driver of Business

LOS ANGELES, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2010 U.S. Census is expected to find that Hispanics number more than 50 million in this country, and they command $1 trillion in buying power. Yet 50% of U.S. advertisers, who acknowledge the cultural impact of Latinos, do not include Hispanics in their marketing efforts. The field is wide open for companies that recognize the incredible power of Hispanics as a driver of their businesses.

That's the key finding of a new Hispanic marketing trends survey commissioned by Los Angeles-based Hispanic advertising agency Orci sent to 9,300 senior marketers at Fortune 1000 companies. The survey, conducted via email in February of 2010, was designed to offer a broad and deep look at advertisers' strategy, spending plans and viewpoints of the U.S. Hispanic market. Respondents included senior marketing and advertising executives of B2B, consumer, small, medium and large Fortune 1000 businesses across the country.

Latinos comprise more than 15% of the U.S. population, and are predicted to rise to 50 million in the 2010 Census, an increase of 42% since the last Census in 2000. In the 2000 report, the Hispanic growth rate of 24.3% was more than three times the growth rate of the total U.S. population (6.1%).

Yet the Orci research showed that 51% of respondents do no marketing to Latino consumers. And, 82% have no plans to begin or increase existing efforts aimed at American Hispanics in the next 12 months, despite the fact that the great majority of respondents -- more than 8 out of 10 -- agreed that Latinos will impact U.S. companies' product and service offerings in the next five years, particularly in food tastes, fashion and technology.

"I am not surprised by the findings," said Hector Orci, co-founder and chairman of the agency, which handles accounts such as American Honda Motor Company and Jack in the Box. "For the last 30 years a minority of companies that have been smart enough to take advantage of engaging Hispanic consumers have seen their efforts make a difference to their bottom line. Now more than ever, businesses need to think about how to tap into the opportunity the Hispanic market presents."

The survey also found that 78% of respondents do not use social media to engage Latinos despite the fact that Hispanics are the heaviest users of wireless access through mobile phones and laptops than any other ethnic group. In addition, close to 80% of Latinos engage in some kind of online socializing.

The survey found that among those companies who do use social media to market to Hispanics, Facebook was the site of choice with Twitter a close second.

"Hispanics are tech savvy, young trend setters with incredible spending power," Orci said. "Companies that recognize the potential of the market by effectively engaging them will see a return on their investment."

Other key results of the survey include:

-- 89% believe Latinos will somewhat or significantly impact American taste in foods in the next five years

    -- 87% believe Latinos will impact fashion and beauty
    -- 82% expect Hispanics to impact entertainment
    -- 78% believe Hispanics will impact technology/communications

    To receive a copy of the full survey results, please visit www.orci.com.

About Orci

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Orci, a 100% independent, minority- and woman-owned advertising agency, continues its legacy of delivering results which exceed client expectations. We have introduced more than 20 of America's best-loved brands to the Hispanic market. In addition, we understand the intricacies of working with government agencies and bring the brightest thinking and heart-felt passion to non-profit clients. The world has changed since our founding in 1986. What hasn't changed is ORCI's ability to help our clients win the hearts and minds of Latino consumers.

SOURCE Orci

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