Carving a Niche in the Asian Food Scene
Wednesday, 14 April 2010 23:12
A pyramid of 20-pound burlap sacks full of basmati and white rice grace the front of the store and the produce section is filled with fruits and vegetables commonly seen on the Food Network, but rarely at Safeway. There is an entire aisle devoted to packaged tea and another solely to soy sauce. Grantstone Supermarket, 8 W. Grant Road, is one of the largest Asian supermarkets in Tucson and visiting it is like wandering San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Grantstone Supermarket is one of roughly two dozen ethnic groceries in Tucson selling spices, sauces, packaged goods and produce imported from Europe and Asia.
“We get our food from companies which import it directly from Asia - primarily China, Japan and Malaysia,” said Steve Sze, manager of Grantstone Supermarket for 20 years.
Ethnic markets and groceries are a significant source of food in the United States. A study released by the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, found that Americans spend an average of $1 out of every $7 being on groceries from an ethnic grocery. Ethnic food sales are being driven by the growing diversity of the U.S., revival in cooking and product innovation.
An estimated 15.2 million residents say they are Asian - primarily Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese. This group accounts for nearly five percent of the total U.S. population.
“The Asian population in Tucson is growing,” said Sze, “Most of our customers are immigrants from Asia or students at the University (of Arizona) looking to get a taste of home.”
Whatever the reason, Grantstone Supermarket has had great success in carving out a niche in the Asian cuisine scene despite growing competition.
“Our sales have been hurt a little by other stores selling similar products, but overall we are still holding strong” said Sze.
Grantstone Supermarket is a fascinating place to learn about another culture, as well as find the ingredients to make your favorite restaurant dishes at home.
List of Ethnic Food Markets in Tucson:
• European Market and Deli, 4500 E. Speedway, (520) 512-0206
• G&L Import Market, 4828 E. 22nd St., (520) 790-9016
• India Dunkaan, 2754 N. Campbell Ave., (520) 321-0408
• India Food and Gifts, 863 E. Grant Road, (520) 624-2474
• Jasmine’s Market, 2745 N. Campbell Ave., (520) 320-3900
• Kimpo Oriental Market, 5595 E. Fifth St., (520) 750-9009
• Mabuhay Filipino Food Store, 2023 S. Craycroft Road, (520) 747-2233
• Moan’s Oriental Market, 2022 S. Craycroft Road, (520) 747-7892
• Roma Imports of America, 627 S. Vine Ave., (520) 792-3173
• Sandyi Oriental Market, 4270 E. Pima St., (520) 320-0389
• 17th Street Market, 810 E. 17th St., (520) 624-8821
• Sun Oriental Market, 2205 S. Craycroft Road, (520) 790-6945
Written by Samantha Easter You are reading Carving a Niche in the Asian Food Scene articles
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