Fox International Channels is launching a dedicated U.S. domestic feed for its Spanish-language lifestyle network Utilisima.
Carried by Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Charter and Dish Network, Utilisima's international feed has been available in the U.S. for years.
However in anticipation of launching a domestic feed, the channel has recently ramped up its original production, bringing in well-known talent from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela and other countries, following its 2009 launch on Dish Latino.
Fox International said it expects to announce new U.S. distribution deals soon.
"English language lifestyle networks focusing on food and home design have thrived in the U.S. marketplace for years," said Hernan Lopez, COO for Fox International Channels, in a statement. "However, we also see a significant desire for original Spanish-language lifestyle programming, and Utilisima US will fulfill that need."
Utilisima's programming spans an array of genres, including food, home improvement, health & beauty, parenting and crafts. The channel has a companion Web site, www.utilisima.com, that presents some 1,200 hours of original content across a wide variety of shows and features over 5,000 recipes.
Utilisima's signature shows include: Design Shop, with Mexican host Maggie Hegyi along with experts in the creation of unique home objects; Beauty Plan, hosted by Mexican soap opera star Manola Diez, which provides an array of tips to highlight and renovate women's beauty styles; and Make it Simple, showcasing Mexican actress Elena, addressing simple ways to make souvenirs, paintings, bijou and more.
Other new additions on Utilisima include: The Bakery, with Mexican actress Michelle Manterolla and four Mexican pastry chefs who teach their recipes step by step; Seasoning with Lorena Garcia, as the internationally acclaimed chef from Venezuela treats a select group of guests to her delicious recipes; Puerto Rico Flavor, featuring Puerto Rican chefs Mario Pagán and Wilo Bennet taking viewers on a journey through cuisine that combines Spanish, Indian and African traditions with the original essence of the island nation; and My Cuba, showcasing the best of Cuban cuisine with the special participation of 'Cuban Banda Dúo' from Santiago de Cuba.
"Utilisima has been the fastest growing channel on the Dish Latino platform in recent years", said Ruben Mendiola, general manager, Dish Latino, in a statement. "As viewers find the channel, they stay with it and I have no doubt it could become one of the top 10 Hispanic channels for our platform over time".
