Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased 3.5 percent for the second quarter of 2017, per the MAFSI Business Barometer. This was 0.1 percent more than the rate of growth forecasted by participating members of the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry.

Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2017, MAFSI members project growth of 3.5 percent.

Sales of equipment and tabletop items each increased 3.6 percent. Sales of furniture and supplies were up 2.7 percent and 2.6 percent respectively.

By region, sales in Canada increased 6.4 percent, 4.1 percent in the South, 3.8 percent in the Northeast, 2.6 percent in the Midwest and 1.8 percent in the West.

With respect to quoting activity, 46 percent of reps report an increase compared to only 16 percent who reported a decline in this area. In addition, 33 percent of reps report an increase in consultant activity, down 4 percent from the previous quarter. Only 9 percent of reps, though, report an increase in consultant activity, with remaining 58 percent reporting no change in this area.