For the first quarter of 2015, foodservice equipment and supplies sales grew 4.7 percent, up from the 2.9 percent increase during the fourth quarter of 2014, according to the latest iteration of the MAFSI Business Barometer. This also exceeded MAFSI's projected sales for the period by 0.3 percent.

On a regional basis, sales in the Midwest increased 6 percent, 5.6 percent in the West, 5.1 percent in Canada, 4.3 percent in the South, and 3 percent in the Northeast. Sales increases by equipment type include: tabletop up 5.6 percent, foodservice equipment up 5 percent, foodservice supplies up 5 percent and furniture sales increased 0.4 percent.

Looking to the second quarter, MAFSI members project a 4.6 percent sales increase. Fifty-eight percent of reps report increased quoting activity and 49 percent report more activity from foodservice design consultants in their territories.