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 April 2026 issue:

Data for the year’s first quarter suggests that the economy is in good shape. Employment growth rebounded in March, while the unemployment rate fell. Retail spending increased quickly in March, and while much of that rise was due to surging gas prices, spending still grew at a healthy pace excluding gas stations. However, higher pump prices and soaring diesel prices caused inflation to accelerate rapidly at the same time, putting upward pressure on other economic sectors, including wholesale food and restaurant menu prices. The conflict in Iran remains a tremendous source of uncertainty and economic risk that will serve as a brisk economic headwind over the next several months.

• The conflict in Iran and resulting oil market turmoil is a major source of economic uncertainty.
• The unemployment rate fell in March and remains low.
• Consumers continue to spend, but higher gas prices will threaten other retail categories.

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