In 2024, Foodservice IP delivered one of the most detailed looks yet at commissaries and central kitchens. Our findings showed how commissaries were becoming indispensable growth engines for retailers, c-stores, and restaurant operators. Now, just two years later, we are preparing to launch our 2026 Commissary Update—and the urgency to understand this channel has only grown.

We are currently seeking sponsors to join this syndicated study, with fielding scheduled to begin in December 2025. Sponsors who commit by October 2025 will help shape the questions, gain access to early findings, and secure a seat at the table for one of the most dynamic shifts in foodservice.

What We Learned in 2024

Our 2024 report documented four major dynamics shaping commissaries:

• Rising Reliance: Operators reported sourcing nearly half of their prepared foods through commissaries, citing labor shortages, small footprints, and cost pressures.

• Innovation Expectations: Fast casual and retail operators were increasingly asking commissaries to create differentiated, innovative recipes—not just execute.

• Price as King: Price surged to the top selection factor, cited by 65% of operators, but accuracy and range remained critical.

• Evolving Landscape: The roster of commissaries continued to churn as acquisitions and mergers reshaped the market. The definition of “commissary” itself grew more fluid, with distributors and hybrids blurring the lines.

Why a 2026 Update Matters

Our new update will focus on how these dynamics have accelerated:

• Consolidation at the Top: Taylor Farms, Hearthside, Aspire Bakeries, and Gate Gourmet now account for an estimated 70% of commissary volume. What does this mean for smaller players—and for manufacturers trying to sell in?

• Changing Relationships: Commissaries are now one-stop shops, and operators want suppliers who understand their role in forecasting trends like delivery, micromarkets, and mobile ordering.

• Operator Priorities: While price dominates, differentiation now comes from commissaries that can address dietary needs, offer certifications, and provide trend-forward innovation.

These shifts raise strategic questions for manufacturers:

• If everyone is targeting the “big five,” how do you avoid being shut out?

• What role can innovation play in creating pull-through demand with operators?

• Do you have a system to track commissary churn—or are you leaving sales teams to guess?

An Invitation to Sponsors

FSIP has been tracking commissaries since 2011, giving us the historical perspective and the current intelligence to separate signal from noise. The 2026 update will provide:

• A refreshed database of 150+ commissary players.

• Go-to-market frameworks tailored for manufacturer engagement.

• Insights into operator expectations that will shape commissary partnerships in the years ahead.

The question is not whether commissaries matter—it’s whether your company has the foresight and partnerships in place to grow with them.

Now is the time to engage. Sponsors must confirm by October 2025 to participate in shaping the survey and to gain early access to insights when we begin fielding in December. You can view the 2026 brief here.