Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies increased 2.1% in the third quarter of 2025, per data from Business Barometer published by the Manufacturers’ Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry. This represents a 0.5% increase from the second quarter’s sales growth. Reps project sales will increase 1.7% for the fourth quarter of 2025 and 4.3% for 2026.

“After a prolonged period of stagflation, the market seems to be showing signs of modest growth,” wrote Michael Posternak, chairman of PBAC, a New York-based rep firm. Posternak is also the author of the Business Barometer’s executive summary. “Fears of disruptive tariffs appear to be abating, the Energy Star Program looks like it might survive, and manufacturers' growth expectations are more modest.”

Looking at sales by product category, tabletop items led the way with a 3.3% sales increase, followed by furniture at 2.6%, equipment at 1.9% and supply items at 1.5%.

On a regional basis, the Midwest led the way, posting a 1.3% sales increase, followed by the South and Northeast at 2.9% and Canada at 0.7%. Sales in the Western U.S. declined 1.4%.

In terms of quoting activity, 39% of reps reported a decline in this area, while 27% showed an increase. A total of 34% said there was no change in this area.

Looking at consultant activity, 62% of reps report no change and 17% report an uptick. Only 21% of reps report a decline in consultant activity.