The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) published its latest 2022 foodservice industry and segment growth projections on its IFMA Scope platform. While the industry will not yet reach 2019 operator spend levels in 2022, IFMA projects 4.6% growth in 2022 compared to 2021.
The forecast models were created in conjunction with Datassential, a foodservice research firm, and validated by operators from the Foodservice Leadership Councils, who act as advisors to IFMA and its Board of Directors. Due to recent volatility in the marketplace, the projections utilize calendar year 2019 as a benchmark and are based upon several key assumptions, including total 2022 annual average inflation of 5%, supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and many white-collar employees continuing to work from home instead of going into the office.