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Tortilla Industry Association
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New Study Finds Tortilla Foodservice Usage on the Rise

St. Paul, Minn. (May 11, 2004) - A new study, commissioned by the Tortilla Industry Association (TIA), reports tortillas and related products continue to experience widespread, dynamic growth in practically every food business segment.

The Tortilla Foodservice Usage Study, conducted by VNU Foodservice Network Research Center, focused on the use of tortillas as well as other tortilla-based products in U.S. food service operations. Survey participants were questioned on their use of scratch or prepared tortillas, volume of usage, trends, purchase source, brands, ways tortillas were used, use of whole-wheat flour tortillas, and innovative tortilla products. 

According to the study, 62 percent of both commercial and non-commercial businesses reported using prepared tortilla products in their operations. Wraps and soft tacos were reported to be the most popular flour tortillas and enchiladas as the most popular corn tortillas. Low-carb tortilla wraps, flavored wraps, and sandwich wraps topped the list of new tortilla products recently adapted by foodservice operators.

The study also found that more than half, 58 percent, of the commercial food service businesses surveyed reported using tortillas. Seventy-eight percent of fine dining restaurants and 74 percent of casual/family dining restaurants reported that they include tortillas in their menus. Non-commercial operations reported tortilla usage at 67 percent, with colleges and universities reporting 83 percent and schools at 76 percent.

"This study is evidence that tortillas, and related products, have become a mainstream part of the American diet and are used in many food service venues in a variety of creative ways," said Tim Hulsey, TIA president. "In this ever-evolving, high growth products category, it is vitally important that the tortilla industry and its members, affiliated companies, and users of tortilla products have as much knowledge as possible in order to effectively produce, promote, and meet the needs of changing market demands," said Hulsey. 

The full report of the study is available to non-members of TIA for a cost of $500 U.S.

The Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) is a not-for-profit organization. Member companies include tortilla manufacturers, industry suppliers and distributors around the world, and companies with interests in the rapidly growing industry. TIA's aim is to help these companies grow through effective management and marketing techniques in the emerging tortilla industry. 

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