Mexican not just for Monday as sales of tortilla dishes rise

Mexican food sales have risen steadily over the past six years, with the number of tortilla dishes on menus rising by 20% since 2010, according to the latest Horizons statistics.

Pubs have jumped on the trend as a result of the increase in popularity. JD Wetherspoon, for instance, was the latest to launch a full-scale Mexican menu in March last year, with a Mexican Monday offer to accompany its other food clubs.

Other companies, including the Northumbrian freehold the Feathers in Hedley-on-the-Hill, saw sales jump after launching a Mexican food offer.

Wetherspoon’s food clubs:

  • Monday: Mexican Monday
  • Tuesday: Steak Club
  • Wednesday: Wing-it Wednesday Chicken Club
  • Thursday: Curry Club
  • Friday: Fish Fridays
  • Sunday: Sunday Club for Sunday Roasts

More than 300 tacos were sold at the pub, double what was expected, on the launch of the new menu last year, said co-proprietor Helen Greer. "The event was great fun and we got to offer something completely different."

Manufacturers such as Mission Foods have launched new products in response to the continued rise in demand.

Of its new super soft wraps, Mission Foods' Head of sales Dave Edwards said: "As eating out occasions such as breakfast and snacking continue to grow, there are more opportunities for wraps to appear on menus. From bar snacks and canapes to breakfast burritos, the possibilities are endless."