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 October 2026 issue:

While consumers may eventually buckle under the weight of accelerating inflation, data suggest that they remain undeterred despite more households falling behind on credit card payments. Restaurants employment continues to grow at a faster pace than the rest of the economy, putting upward pressure on labor costs. Despite this, menu price inflation remains moderate.

• Inflation, fueled by high oil prices, continues to accelerate.
• The economy continues to grow at a healthy pace.
• Consumers continue to spend, both at restaurants and otherwise.

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