Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies were flat during the first quarter of 2024, per data from the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry.

Generally speaking, this was in line with the reps’ forecast for the period, which was a growth rate of 0.5%. Reps estimate sales will increase 0.1% in the second quarter of 2024.

As a point of reference, equipment and supplies sales for the first quarter of 2023 increased 6.6%, per the MAFSI Business Barometer.

Sales performance was somewhat mixed by product category, tabletop declined 2.0%, supplies 0.3%, while equipment grew 0.3% and furniture by 0.5%.

Looking at sales by region, the West saw a decline of 1.3%, Midwest 0.9% and South 0.5%. Positive sales were reported in Northeast (1.2%) and Canada (2.0%).

In terms of quoting activity, 35% of reps report they are quoting more, while 37% say they are quoting less. And 28% report no change in quoting activity. Also, 30% of reps report increased consultant activity, 40% report no change and 30% report a decline.