February 4/Chicago/Marketwire -- The food and beverage industry, the third-largest manufacturing subsector in the U.S., should see a gradual strengthening of demand as the economic climate continues to improve, although industry profitability remains highly vulnerable to swings in commodity prices, says a new report on the Food & Beverage industry issued today by BMO Harris Bank.
"Consumer spending on Food & Beverage products in 2013 will likely remain somewhat subdued," said Erica Kuhlmann, managing director and head, Food & Consumer Group, BMO Harris Bank. "However, we anticipate a brighter outlook in 2014 and beyond, in line with our outlook for the broader economy."