2026 Distribution Giants

C&T Named 12th in FE&S's 2026 Distribution Giants Report 

What is FE&S?

The Foodservice Equipment & Supplies (FE&S) media group is a digital platform that  "connects equipment and supplies manufacturers and service providers with the full distribution channel, including news, trends, and best practices for foodservice equipment dealers, specifiers, operators, and supply chain partners." Each year, they put together a full scope outlook on the current landscape of the industry and who is coming out on top when it comes to client satisfaction and financials. 

2026 Distribution Outlook

The foodservice equipment and supplies industry closed out 2025 on a positive note, with total sales among the top 100 dealers reaching $16.49 billion, a 4.72% increase over 2024. But dealers across the country describe 2025 as one of the most volatile and uncertain years in recent memory, with some even calling it harder to navigate than the COVID-19 pandemic. A wave of tariffs introduced in Q2 2025 sent suppliers and dealers scrambling to adapt, though lessons learned from the pandemic's supply chain chaos paid off as open communication between manufacturers and distributors helped keep turbulence from reaching end customers.

Despite the headwinds, the industry found pockets of opportunity in fast-food chains looking to grab market share, country clubs undergoing renovations, and non-commercial segments like hospitals and schools. Beverage innovation also emerged as a standout growth area, offering high margins without requiring major kitchen overhauls. Looking ahead to 2026, the mood is cautiously optimistic as bid activity is up, design pipelines are strong, and companies that invest in their people and stay nimble are poised to come out ahead.

To learn more, please visit: https://fesmag.com/research/distribution-giants/23501-2026-distribution-giants