The story of how P&G targeted the liquid to Hispanic consumers speaks to the burgeoning buying power of the community. Between 2000 and 2010, census data show, the Hispanic population rose 43 percent to 50.5 million. And it is estimated that the group has a collective buying power of about $1 trillion, according to a recent report by Packaged Facts, a research firm.

P&G found that a powerful soap that makes plates sparkle is not enough for Hispanic consumers; they want a cleaning product that smells good, too. Indeed, products that make cleaning feel more enjoyable are particularly appealing to this community, according to a report from Mintel, a research firm.

“Being aware of these emerging consumers helps P&G design products that better meet her needs,’’ said Gain manager Michelle Lohman. “In the case of Gain dish [soap], this means helping make her dish-washing experience better by giving her an amazing scent experience while she cleans the dishes.’’

Making a dish soap that smells good became P&G’s mission in March 2009. Rather than creating an entirely new brand in the thick of the recession, the company turned to one that had been a proven success with minorities, particularly Hispanics.

Gain, a laundry brand that struggled for decades to distinguish itself against rivals, found a loyal following after P&G began focusing more on scent rather than pure cleaning prowess. By 2009, more than 50 percent of Gain laundry purchases came from Hispanic or African-American consumers, and the booming popularity transformed Gain into a billion-dollar brand.

Leylha Ahuile, a senior multicultural analyst at Mintel, said Gain offers tremendous potential for P&G given the rapid growth expected in the Hispanic population.

“Gain has tapped into a group that is price-conscious and loves aromas, and it’s made them quite successful,’’ Ahuile said.