New Customers Will Drive Most F&B Sales Gains 2013

Food companies’ biggest future fortunes are tied to new customers for the majority of increased sales in 2013, according to results of the first annual U.S. Food & Beverage Industry Study by WeiserMazars LLP, a leading accounting, tax and advisory services firm.

Survey participants – which were drawn from companies across the food and beverage industry – believe sales will increase 13 percent compared to 2011 and project net profits to rise by almost 6 percent. These solid gains, though, are offset by rising commodity and production costs, resulting in a modest net profit.

This inaugural study, a joint effort between WeiserMazars and The Food Institute, delved into the trends, performance, plans, and challenges of food and beverage companies. The study offers food and beverage companies data against which to assess 2012 performance, insights into potential drivers for the industry in 2013, and best practices to stay ahead of the competition.

“The purpose of this study is to provide executives with comprehensive insight in comparing the state of their company to the overall Food & Beverage industry,” said Louis J. Biscotti, partner/national director of WeiserMazars’ Food & Beverage Sector. “This benchmarking can provide organizations with insight into predicting realistic levels of growth in 2013.”

Survey participants expect that the most important industry factors influencing sales growth in 2013 will be new customers (59%), new products (51%), and increased selling prices (40%).

“With food prices forecasted to move 3 percent to 4 percent higher this year, it is not surprising that the major concern among food and beverage companies surveyed was the cost of goods,” stated Brian Todd, president/CEO of The Food Institute. “Inflation almost entirely offset sales increases last year at grocery stores, with the Food Institute noting that sales in the sector increased less than 1 percent last year after inflation was taken into account, based on the association’s exclusive pricing indices.”

Survey participants included manufacturers and wholesalers/distributors representing a range of annual sales volumes from $10 million or less to more than $100 million. The survey addresses how these companies are adapting to changing consumer trends, proposed government regulations, new companies entering the field, and new product and service offerings. The WeiserMazars 2012 U.S. Food & Beverage Industry Study illuminates the ways that companies remain competitive and approach challenges, providing a valuable resource for all members of the industry.

To see the entire study, visit WeiserMazars’ 2012 Food & Beverage Industry Study.