Daily News Update, Dec. 21, 2007

Checkoff continues Hispanic outreach

The Hispanic population is the largest and fastest growing of all ethnic groups in America, accounting for over 32 percent of the Texas population. As the Hispanic population continues to increase, so does the need for Spanish-language resources.

With over 8 million Hispanic consumers in Texas, the Texas Beef Council (TBC) is working to provide Spanish-speaking consumers with tools to help them learn more about beef.

TBC is extending Spanish-language and bilingual beef information through numerous avenues such as a quarterly cooking newsletter, direct consumer outreach at Hispanic events, television cooking segments and print publication placements.

"The Texas Beef Council is working hard to provide all consumers with the tools and information they need to prepare and enjoy delicious beef meals," said Jennifer Matison, TBC Senior Manager of Consumer Marketing. "We are answering consumer needs by providing Spanish-language beef resources to the Hispanic population."

TBC has teamed up with San Antonio native Chef Diana Barrios-Trevino to develop traditional beef recipes with a new twist. Chef Diana has been involved in the culinary world for many years beginning with her work at the family-owned Los Barrios restaurant in San Antonio.

The newly-developed recipes are featured in Spanish-language publications and have appeared in several print publications that are distributed in the Houston, San Antonio and Dallas area. Chef Diana also appears on Spanish-language television stations where she conducts on-air beef cooking demonstrations.

Through these efforts TBC has reached over 4.5 million Hispanic consumers.

In addition to Hispanic media outreach, TBC has also developed a bilingual quarterly newsletter, "Al Punto," that features cooking tips, recipes and product promotions in every issue.

"Through these various avenues, TBC will continue to reach out to the Hispanic consumer ensuring we are providing helpful and useful beef information ranging from new takes on traditional recipes, to beef's versatility and nutritional assets," said Matison.

For more information on this and other TBC programs, please visit www.texasbeef.org or call (800) 846.4113.