FER Revises 2017 and 2018 E&S Market Forecasts

Foodservice Equipment Reports has revised its forecasts of foodservice equipment and supplies market growth for 2017 and 2018. FER Publisher Robin Ashton and Research Associate John Muldowney, also principal at Clarity Marketing, presented the revisions during an FER President’s Preview forecast update webinar Dec. 19.

The magazine lowered its forecast of 2017 growth to 3% in current dollars from last summer’s 3.5% forecast. But because price changes were lower than previously forecast, real growth essentially held steady at 1.1%. The forecast for 2018 was lowered slightly to 3.4% nominal and remained at 1.2% real.

“Hard data from the MAFSI Barometer and public reporting E&S companies clearly show slower market growth in 2017 than we anticipated,” Ashton told attendees. “But with general economic factors still very positive, and the restaurant market showing new signs of life, we expect 2018 will be slightly better for the E&S market than this year.”

The FER President’s Preview E&S Market Forecast Update, including a recording of the webinar, can be purchased here.