Passion for International Tastes Thrives at Union Market

Published November 2023

Among Union Market’s walls lined with fresh spices, teas, and cooking ingredients, you’ll spy Central and South American flags—Peru, Mexico, and Colombia, among many others. Luis Avila organizes his shop by country, providing a peek into culturally-relevant ingredients to those looking to explore new foods and offering an oasis of familiar tastes from home to Union’s Latino community.

With the slogan “your market,” Luis welcomes all neighbors to explore his array of Central and South American goods. Hear how Union Market has fostered community through international ingredients since 2018.

Tell us a little about Union Market!

We’re an international market that sells products from Central & South America, focusing on Peruvian ingredients.

What inspired you to start a business? How did this feeling grow once you actually started your business?

When my wife and I first came to the area, there seemed to be a need for multicultural items and foods from Central and South America. It was a service asked by many so we decided to take charge and provide these services to the Latino community. As we grew, we made many friends in the community and our name echoed in the neighborhoods around us. People came from all over just to get authentic ingredients.

What aspect of your business makes you most proud to be a business leader in our community?

Giving an opportunity for families to make meals like they would in their home country brings us so much joy. People often bring us food to share their happiness with our store. We’ve become a voice in the Latino community and we use it to spread love and good messages.

How do you #LoveUnionSquare?

I love to visit all the international markets in the Square. We’ve created a community for everyone to feel accepted and at home. During the holidays, I love to decorate the storefront in the spirit of the festivities year round & am participating in the Union Square Holiday Stroll.

Is there anything else you think a Square customer would like to know?

I also lead a radio station broadcast called Torre Sonora Internacional. Listen to great Latino music, news, podcasts, sports, and popular topics in the media! Show us some love!

Union Market, located at 29 Union Square, is open Mon-Sat 9:30am-7pm.