Manufacturers' reps project increased sales across all product categories and each geographic region.

Members of the Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry project their sales of foodservice equipment and supplies will increase by 4.9 percent in 2014. This increase indicates the largest annual advance in the 12-year history of the MAFSI Business Barometer.

MAFSI members' growth projections by region include a 5.5 percent increase in Canada and in the United States: 5.4 percent in the West, 4.9 percent in the South, 4.6 percent in the Midwest and 4.3 percent in the Northeast.

By product category, reps forecast a 4.9 percent increase in equipment sales, 4.8 percent each in supplies and furnishings and 4.0 percent in tabletop.

In terms of quoting activity, 42 percent of independent manufacturers' reps report an increase, compared to only 20 percent reporting a decrease. Similarly, 43 percent of reps report an increase in consultant activity, compared to only 14 percent reporting a decline.