For the third quarter of 2024, sales of foodservice equipment and supplies came in at a negative 0.6% overall, per the MAFSI Business Barometer. While these results are slightly better than the negative 1.6% sales growth reps projected for the period, they still represent the second consecutive quarter of negative growth.

And the outlook for the fourth quarter improves only slightly, with reps projecting 0% growth for the period.

The results varied by region ranging from +2.2% in the West, +0.9% Midwest to -1.1% in Canada, -2.7% in the Northeast, and -3.3% in the South. All four product categories recorded negative results.

Looking ahead to 2025, MAFSI members project sales will grow 2.7% for the year. Looking at it by product categories, reps project sales of supply items will grow 3.0%, equipment 2.8%, tabletop 2.5% and furniture 1.3%.

Turning back to the third quarter, only 19% of reps report less quoting activity for the period. In addition, 48% report no change in quoting activity and 33% report an increase. In terms of foodservice consultant activity, 48% report no change and 29% report an increase. Only 23% of repress report a decline in consultant activity.