In effort to help IFDA members and the foodservice distribution industry at large navigate the business landscape, we have compiled a list of external information sources covering a range of topics relevant to today's industry professionals.

For requests to include additional sources, email IFDA's Senior Director of Research & Innovation Annika Stensson. Please see the sponsored content​ guidelines for more information. 

Government Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Data on employment, wages, wholesale food and commodity price inflation, menu and grocery store price inflation, and more.

Consumer Price Index (BLS, released second Wednesday of each month)

Monthly employment data (BLS, released first Friday of each month)

Producer Price Index (BLS, released second Tuesday of each month)

U.S. Census Bureau: Data on retail and eating-and-drinking place sales, and more.

U.S. Census Bureau: Data on US population composition and demographics.

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Food price outlook.

U.S. Energy Information Administration : Data on energy trends and prices.

Miscellaneous Sources

Commercial vehicle industry data (ACT Research blog)

White paper: Distribution eCommerce and Marketplaces (Applico Q4 2021)

Consumer Confidence Index (The Conference Board, released last Tuesday of each month)

Resources on food safety and traceability (GS1 US Foodservice)

Restaurant Performance Index (National Restaurant Association, released on the last business day of each month)


Industry Trade Associations

American Transportation Research Institute
Engaged in critical transportation studies and operational tests, including traffic congestion, hours-of-service, automonous vehicle technology, etc.
American Trucking Associations
 Produces reports, trends and statistics on the trucking industry.
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
Provides research and insight on the foodservice supply chain and manufacturing industry.
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
The NAW Institute for Distribution Excellence sponsors and disseminates research into strategic management issues covering the merchant wholesale distribution industry.
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National Restaurant Association
Provides restaurant industry and consumer research on a number of topics, including menu, technology and economic trends.
NextGen Trucking
A non-profit association that promotes trucking as a positive career field and creates programs that encourage CDL and Diesel Technician training.
Warehousing Education & Research Council
A professional organization focused on logistics management and its role in the supply chain.
Women in Trucking
A non-profit organization focusing on gender diversity in the transportation industry.
 

 

Industry Research and Consulting Firms

ITR Economics
Economic intelligence that helps you make business decisions. Produces quarterly economic reports for IFDA.
Datassential
Market research for the food industry, including trends and menu analysis.
Deloitte
Research and insights into various industry verticals, including foodservice, wholesale and distribution.
Mintel
Market research on the foodservice industry, including trends and menu analysis.
NPD Group
Market intelligence research on foodservice industry, including distribution, restaurants, retail and food consumption.
Oxford Economics
Focus on forecasting and quantitative analysis in a variety of industries.
Pentallect
Consulting firm with industry insight.
Technomic
Consumer and industry research on foodservice, including distribution, restaurants, convenience stores, retail. IFDA's GPO study,  and white papers on off-premise packaging trends and operators' e-sourcing practices are produced by Technomic.

These links are provided for informational purposes only and do not indicate IFDA's endorsement, or approval of specific products, services, or opinions. IFDA is not responsible for the accuracy, legality, or content of external sites.