In its most recent Industry Research Update on Food, Beverage and Agribusiness, GE Capital noted that as of November 2014 its Americas unit invested $12.7 billion across the value chain encompassing food, beverage and agribusiness.

According to the GE Capital report, Retail & Restaurants, Wholesalers & Distributors, Food & Beverage Manufacturers and Agribusiness accounted for $6.3 billion, $1.4 billion, $2.8 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively.

Highlights from the report included:

• Supermarket comparable sales remain in the 0% to 3% range driven by -1% to 0% volume growth and 1% to 3% price.
• Restaurant comparable sales remain in the 1% to 3% range driven by 1% to 0% volume growth and 2% to 3% price.
• Growth in housing prices remains positive albeit at a slowing rate, with the Case Shiller 20 city index rising +4.6% Y/Y in January.
• Increases in the performance of the S&P500 was a tailwind to the consumer balance sheet, averaging +15% Y/Y for trailing month.
• Gas prices continue to fall as oil futures have fallen below $50/barrel, down 50% Y/Y leaving consumers with a larger share of monthly discretionary income.
• The Consumer Confidence Index, as measured by the Conference Board, increased 2.5 points in March to 101.3 from 98.8 in February.

To read the GE Capital Industry Research visit http://www.americas.gecapital.com/GECA_Document/Food_Bev_Ag_IRM_Update.pdf