Reps reporting positive numbers though there are concerns market is losing steam. 

Third quarter sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased 3.8 percent, up from 3.1 percent and 3.3 percent in the second and third quarters of 2014, according to the Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry's Business Barometer for the third quarter of 2014. While it represents an increase, this is still short of MAFSI's initial projections, which called for foodservice equipment and supplies sales to increase 5.7 percent for the third quarter of 2014.

On a regional basis, sales in Canada increased 0.5 percent, the Northeast 2.1 percent, the Midwest 3.7 percent, the South 4.4 percent and the West 5.9 percent.

Looking at sales by product category, furnishings increased 1.6 percent, tabletop 3.1 percent, supplies 4 percent and equipment 4.1 percent.

MAFSI members expressed concern that the market is losing some "steam" as 48 percent of participating reps report more quoting activity compared to 56 percent and 53 percent the past two quarters. In addition, 39 percent of reps report more consultant activity, down from 47 percent and 48 percent in the second and first quarters of this year.