IFDA Monthly Economic Update

Produced with Sage Policy Group, Inc., this monthly report is exclusively created for foodservice distribution leaders to help guide strategic business planning. It provides bite-sized data and analysis of macroeconomic trends and outlook, as well as tracking of the most industry-relevant economic indicators. The monthly format delivers information in a timely manner as new government and private-source data is released, offering unique real-time insight and more accurate short-term predictions. 

Key takeaways from the March 2026 issue:

The economy took a turn for the worse in February with job creation falling, and unemployment and inflation rising. Compounding the existing uncertainty of the economic outlook, the conflict in Iran affecting oil prices will have serious implications for nearly every economic segment. Higher gas prices will strain consumer finances, and higher diesel prices will put upward pressure on shipping costs for virtually all goods.

• Conflict in Iran, and resulting surge in oil prices, adds to already elevated uncertainty.
• Job growth has slowed markedly.
• Consumer spending at restaurants barely grew during first quarters.

Price: Free to all IFDA members as an exclusive member benefit.