Foodservice Distribution Industry Economic Impact Study 2026

IFDA conducted a comprehensive economic impact study of the foodservice distribution industry in the United States. Measuring the physical footprint and economic impact, the study quantifies the full impact the industry has on the national and state economies.

The U.S. foodservice distribution industry delivers ingredients and supplies to 1 million professional kitchens in all 50 states, from independent and chain restaurants, to healthcare facilities and schools. We offer rewarding career opportunities and upward mobility, and support hunger relief efforts in communities across America.

Key Highlights:

• Foodservice distributors engage a workforce of nearly 443,500 people. The industry also supports nearly 505,000 ancillary jobs in other industries through employee spending and supply chain impact, making the industry’s total employment impact nearly 950,000. 
• The industry generates direct sales of  $426 billion per year. When counting the indirect and induced sales generated, the total industry sales impact is more than $540 billion.
• Foodservice distributors donate 7.8 million cases of food and beverage products annually. The total value of those donations is estimated to more than $351 million.
• IFDA estimates there are 17,580 foodservice distribution center locations in the U.S.. The industry delivers an estimated 12.8 billion cases of product to restaurants and foodservice outlets annually, which equals an average of 35 million cases per day.
• Foodservice distributors operate a vehicular fleet of 173,200 power units, trailers, trucks, and non-CDL vehicles, which are driven 4.5 billion miles per year by more than 139,000 drivers.

Price: Free download.