By Ron Margulis T he 2025 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) conference brought more than 9,500 attendees and 800-plus exhibi- tors to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from June 1–3. The event delive- red actionable insights for Hispanic food retailers aiming to grow in the competi- tive deli, dairy and bakery space. Flavor Trends Shift Toward Bold, Authentic Offerings Panel discussions and product showcases focused on evolving consumer preferen- ces, especially the rising demand for bold and culturally authentic foods. Mexican proteins, cheeses and spicy-sweet combi- nations continue to gain traction among mainstream shoppers. The trend known as “newstalgia”— modern twists on nostalgic favorites—also stood out. This offers Hispanic food retai- lers the chance to reintroduce traditional baked goods with creative flair, merging heritage with innovation. Prepared Foods Lead Deli Growth Prepared foods now generate over half of all deli department sales, surpassing sliced meats and cheeses, according to Hispanic Food Retailers Embrace Innovation at 2025 IDDBA Conference Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh. This shift opens doors for culturally relevant grab-and-go options such as tamales, empanadas and Latin-inspired breakfast kits. The breakfast category, in particular, is experiencing double-digit sales growth. IDDBA experts encouraged retailers to offer items like bagel kits paired with chipotle or guava cream cheeses to capture morning traffic. Seasonal Flavors and Emotional Indulgence Drive Sales Retailers can create urgency and deepen emotional engagement by rotating limi- ted-time seasonal offerings. Hispanic flavors like tres leches, dulce de leche and guava continue to resonate, particularly in the dessert and bakery segments. Affordable indulgence remains a powerful motivator for many shoppers. Value-driven treats that tap into cultural memories can help drive repeat visits and build brand loyalty. Technology and AI Solutions Shape Retail Operations Tech integration was a major theme across the IDDBA 2025 show floor. Rich Products debuted an AI-powered recipe platform, giving retailers a tool to customize offerings and streamline operations. Live demonstrations of labor-saving bakery equipment addressed ongoing labor shortages, an issue particularly pressing for independent Hispanic food retailers working with lean teams. 58 JULY / AUGUST 2025 ABASTO.COM