The Latino Food Industry Association Reiterates its Invitation to Grocers to Enroll for Free

Since its official launch in 2017, the Latino Food Industry Association (LFIA) has been dedicated to promoting, supporting, educating, and advocating for Hispanic owners, employees, and grocers working in the U.S. food industry. Its current president, Lupillo Ramirez, emphasized that LFIA is committed to being the voice of Hispanic grocers in the industry as it undergoes drastic changes due to the pandemic and now inflation.

LFIA’s goal is to equip its members with the right tools to thrive in the food industry. “We want to help connect each other; if someone offers something, we help them sell it, or if they need to buy something, we support them in getting it,” Ramirez said in an interview with Abasto Magazine.

Ramirez became president of the association in early 2020, just before the Coronavirus pandemic began. However, like the rest of the food and beverage industry, LFIA remained active in supporting its associates, considered essential during the health crisis.

Interview (in Spanish) with Lupillo Ramirez, president of the Latino Food Industry Association.

“We have been vigilant about how we can advocate for grocers in the face of new legislation and defend their rights; we are their representatives,” said Ramirez.

Related Article: The Impressive Growth of Grocery Sales in the U.S. Over the Last Two Decades

Aware of the economic impact the Covid pandemic has had, and now with inflation significantly driving up operating and product costs in supermarkets, the Latino Food Industry Association is offering grocers to join the organization free of charge.

“Joining is very easy, just go to the association’s website, https://latinofoodindustry.org, and follow the instructions on becoming a member for free. The important thing is that we hear from you because we have strategic partners like the people from Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and the people from Modelo who want to know how they can help small businesses in the food industry. We are that connection between them,” said the Latino Food Industry Association president.

Lupillo Ramirez has been involved with LFIA since its inception, first on the Advisory Board and then as a member of the association’s Board of Directors, representing the Hispanic grocery chain Northgate Gonzalez Market.

Ramirez is currently the Senior Director of Innovation and Product Development for Northgate Gonzalez Markets. He is recognized as a respected leader in the food industry. In his 34 years working for the Hispanic grocery chain in California, he has learned all aspects of the grocery business.