The Big Picture

Perhaps this year, more than most others, the numbers tell the story. In the pages that follow, FM once again has gathered a sampling of statistics, surveys and study results that provide real-time snapshots and longer-term forecasts of trends driving the sectors that make up onsite foodservice.

In the big picture, the trends are the stuff of recent headlines. As the country has slogged through the recession, its gross domestic product has sunk into negative territory. The consumer's disposable income is tapped out, credit is short and unemployment is surging (Figs. 2, 3, 4).

Select charts to enlarge.

While these setbacks have taken their toll, most onsite operators will see flat or modest sales growth in nominal terms in 2009, a better outlook than that facing the commercial side of the business. The main exception is business dining, the segment that is always most affected by reduced employment.

Beyond the bad news, there are a number of bright spots. Wage pressures have eased and labor shortages have all but disappeared. Wholesale food prices are moderating and many commodity prices will likely decline, although it will take time for this to show up at the wholesale level (Figs. 5, 6).

Looking to the year ahead, value, in all its forms, will be the watchword: driving menu promotions, procurement, portions and of course pricing. Now, here's a closer look at some of the other trends affecting particular onsite foodservice segments…