Overcoming significant supply chain challenges and other factors, sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased 19.1% in the second quarter of 2021, beating projections by 3%, per the Business Barometer published by the Manufacturers Agents’ Association for the Foodservice Industry. Looking ahead, MAFSI members project a 20.7% sales increase for the third quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

Sales of tabletop items increased 32.5% followed by increases an 18.1% increase in supply item sales, 17.7% in equipment and 15.9% in furniture.

In addition, sales increased across all geographic regions tracked by the MAFSI Business Barometer. Canada saw a 31.6% sales increase, followed by the West at 23.7%, Northeast 21.2%, and the Midwest and South at 15.4%.

In terms of the business conditions, 51% of reps said they are quoting more during the second quarter of 2021, down 30% from the first quarter of this year. Also, 51% of reps report more consultant specs in the second quarter of 2021, down 5% from the first quarter of the year.

For the third quarter of 2021, regional sales projections call for a 26.0% increase in the Northeast, 20.3% in Canada, 20.0% in the Midwest, 19.6% in the South, and 16.8% in the West.