“Tidal Wave” Of Latino Consumers Presents Marketing Opportunities For Dietary Supplement Makers

Marketers of organic, natural and healthy products should view the “tidal wave” of Latino consumers in the U.S. as a golden opportunity, according to Los Angeles family physician Luis Pacheco, M.D., himself a creator of a supplement brand. The 50 million Hispanics will impact health and wellness in the U.S., primarily because of their attitudes toward physicians, prescription drugs, and preventative care generally. Beset by obesity and diabetes, Hispanics generally do not visit the doctor until there is something wrong, and even then delay treatment because they cannot afford it, often lacking health insurance. Mistrusting prescription medications, Latinos prefer herbal products and other supplements. The opportunity for supplement makers is there, Pacheco says, as long as marketing and labeling are culturally relevant.