Technomic lowers 2010 restaurant industry forecast

Citing continued concern over job losses, underemployment and continued consumer frugality in dining away from home, Technomic revised its 2010 U.S. foodservice industry sales forecast downward. Foodservice consulting firm Technomic now expects the industry to decline 1.6 percent, down from the 0.8 percent decline it had previously estimated.

While the forecast remained unchanged for most foodservice segments, weaker than anticipated sales in major areas including fast food, business dining and vending segments prompted the downward adjustment for the overall industry.

In comments first delivered to clients at its Foodservice Planning Program meeting, Technomic acknowledged that some segments will outperform the industry at large, most notably education, supermarket foodservice and healthcare.