The population of the United States is increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. The relative sizes of different racial and ethnic groups are also changing, with certain groups growing at faster rates than others. To succeed in this shifting environment, businesses need to understand the demographics and cultures of these different groups. One of the most important changes in the U.S. population has been the rise in the number of people identifying themselves as Hispanic.

The population of the United States is increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. The relative sizes of different racial and ethnic groups are also changing, with certain groups growing at faster rates than others. To succeed in this shifting environment, businesses need to understand the demographics and cultures of these different groups. One of the most important changes in the U.S. population has been the rise in the number of people identifying themselves as Hispanic.

This report provides a detailed analysis of the Hispanics consumer in relation to the household products market, and is part of a Mintel series on the Hispanic population in the U.S. For more detail on Hispanic demographics, see the first report in this series: Hispanic Demographics, consumer intelligence--U.S. Report, May 2003.

The following household products will be included for this report:

laundry products (soap, boosters, fabric softener, and bleach)

cleaning products (dish soap, scouring powder, etc.)

kitchen plastic and paper (napkins, paper towels, trash bags, storage bags, aluminum foil, etc.)

For these products, key demographic variables will be analyzed, comparing the whole U.S. population with the Hispanic population. In addition, the following variables will be considered: age, presence of children, region residing within the U.S., language spoken at home, and region/country of origin (Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rican or other), as well as other significant variables for this market.

A number of U.S. reports covering related sectors have been published, are planned, or are in preparation, including:

Hispanics and Personal Care -- U.S. Report, February 2004

Hispanics and the Internet -- U.S. Report, January 2004

Hispanic Entertainment -- U.S. Report, December 2003

Hispanic Drink -- U.S. Report, October 2003

Hispanic Food -- U.S. Report, September 2003

Hispanic Spending Patterns -- U.S. Report, August 2003

Hispanics and Household Products -- U.S. Report, July 2003

Hispanic Demographics -- U.S. Report, May 2003