The non-commercial sector is a thriving realm for foodservice, according to a new report by Technomic.
The Top 1000 Non-commercial reports that non-commercial operations accounted for 34% of total U.S. foodservice sales in 2012, garnering more than $200 billion in sales (retail sales equivalent). In 2013, Technomic expects the strongest (nominal) growth in the healthcare (4.5%) and B&I (4.0%) markets. As a whole, non-commercial foodservice operations are forecast to grow 3.7%.
"Non-commercial foodservice players are looking to other segments like fast-casual to adopt best practices," says Darren Tristano, executive vice rresident of Technomic Inc. "More consumers want food that is high-quality, fresh, and flavorful. Whether they are traveling, attending school or work or just concerned about their children's school lunches, they've come to expect better options and operators need to deliver it."
Technomic defines the non-commercial segment as including colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, healthcare, retail meal solutions, convenience stores, travel centers, lodging/hotels, recreation, travel, B&I, military, corrections, daycare, group purchasing organizations and foodservice management firms.
Other findings from the report include:
- A little more than 50% of the top 100 colleges and universities are operated by foodservice management companies
- The top 100 healthcare facilities (including hospitals, long-term care and senior living) include roughly 85,000 beds, with foodservice purchases estimated at $350 million in 2012
- The 10 largest foodservice management companies saw estimated sales of $7.5 billion in the B&I segment in 2012
To purchase the full report, click here.