Trends

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MAFSI Business Barometer Posts 5 Percent Increase in Fourth Quarter

Independent manufacturers reps serving the foodservice equipment and supplies industry closed out 2010 on a high note, as their sales levels eclipsed 2009 levels.

For the fourth quarter of 2010, members of the Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry reported a 5 percent sales increase when compared to the same period in 2009. This represents the first quarterly sales increase in three years, according to MAFSI.

All five participating regions reported growth, including: 4.4 percent in the South, 4.9 percent in the Midwest, 5.0 percent in Canada, 3.8 percent in the West and 7.4 percent in the Northeast.

By product category, furnishing sales increased 0.3 percent, tabletop 2.7 percent, supplies 3.8 percent, and equipment 6.0 percent.

As a result, MAFSI reports that the rep community has renewed optimism for the first quarter of 2011, as is evident by their forecast of a 4.2 percent increase for the period. Overall, reps project 2011 sales will eclipse 2010 levels by 5.8 percent.