Sysco

Corporate brand

A multinational broadline foodservice distributor serving restaurants, institutions, hospitality businesses, and other food operators.

Last updated August 27, 2026

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Overview

Sysco is a Houston-headquartered multinational foodservice distribution company. It supplies food, beverages, kitchen equipment, dining supplies, and related services to businesses and institutions that prepare or serve food. Its customer base includes independent restaurants, restaurant chains, hotels, schools, hospitals and other healthcare organizations, government facilities, sports venues, entertainment sites, and hospitality operators. The company is widely described as the world's largest broadline food distributor and has built its position through a combination of national distribution infrastructure, regional operating companies, specialty divisions, private-label products, and acquisitions. The company was formed in May 1969 when nine food distribution businesses combined following discussions initiated by John F. Baugh, who had founded Zero Foods. Herbert Irving, Baugh, and Harry Rosenthal are identified with Sysco's founding. Sysco completed its initial public offering on March 3, 1970, and began expanding through acquisitions almost immediately. During the 1970s it purchased numerous smaller distributors, enlarged its trucking fleet, and invested in refrigerated warehouses. Its 1988 acquisition of CFS Continental helped provide nationwide coverage and strengthened the scale advantages of its distribution model. Sysco's portfolio spans fresh and frozen foods, meat and seafood, produce, dairy, prepared foods, grocery products, desserts, beverages, disposables, tableware, cleaning supplies, and commercial kitchen equipment. It also provides operational support, including menu planning, marketing assistance, product guidance, kitchen design, and construction services. FreshPoint focuses on produce, Sygma serves large restaurant chains through a dedicated distribution network, and Greco and Sons operates as a specialty Italian-food business within Sysco. The company has also expanded its equipment and kitchen-design capabilities through the acquisition of Edward Don & Company. International expansion began in Canada in 2002 and later extended to Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and other markets. Sysco entered Ireland through the acquisition of Pallas Foods in 2009 and strengthened its Irish business with Crossgar Foodservice and Ready Chef. Its 2019 acquisition of Brakes created Sysco GB and gave the company a significant presence in the British foodservice market. In the United States, Sysco has continued to combine broadline distribution with specialty produce, protein, seafood, and ethnic-food operations. Sustainability has become an important part of the company's supplier and fleet strategy. Sysco has worked with the World Wildlife Fund on responsible seafood sourcing since 2009, has promoted certified seafood, and introduced the One Planet. One Table. assortment in 2023. The company has also announced goals relating to cage-free eggs, greenhouse-gas reduction, electric delivery vehicles, and lower-emission distribution infrastructure. In 2024, Sysco reported approximately 76,000 employees, service to about 730,000 customer locations, and roughly 340 distribution centers across 10 countries. It remains a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and has regularly appeared in the Fortune 500.

History

Sysco originated in the consolidation of regional food distributors. In 1966, Zero Foods owner John F. Baugh began discussions with leaders of eight other distributors about creating a larger national company. The nine businesses reached an agreement and formed Sysco in May 1969. At formation, their combined sales were approximately $115 million. Herbert Irving, Baugh, and Harry Rosenthal are associated with the company's founding. Sysco went public on March 3, 1970, and made its first acquisition that year by purchasing Arrow Foods Distributor. From 1970 through 1980, Sysco acquired 25 smaller distributors, expanded its delivery fleet, and built refrigerated warehouses. The company recorded approximately $1.2 billion in annual revenue in 1980 and moved its stock listing from the American Stock Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange in 1981. Its acquisition of CFS Continental in 1988 provided nationwide coverage and marked a major step in the development of its broadline model. By the mid-1990s, Sysco had become one of Houston's largest companies and employed more than 30,000 people. The company continued to broaden its specialty capabilities. It acquired Newport Meat in 1999, entered Canada by purchasing SERCA Foodservices in 2002, and acquired Asian Foods in 2003. International expansion outside North America began with the purchase of Irish distributor Pallas Foods in 2009, followed by Crossgar Foodservice in 2012. Sysco also made several regional acquisitions in the United States and Canada during this period. In 2013 it announced a proposed $3.5 billion acquisition of US Foods. The transaction was challenged by US regulators, and a federal judge ruled in 2015 that the combined company would control too much of the US foodservice-distribution market. Sysco terminated the transaction shortly afterward. Sysco returned to international expansion with its 2016 agreement to purchase Brakes for approximately $3.1 billion. Brakes served restaurants, hotels, schools, and other customers in Europe, and its integration helped establish Sysco GB in the United Kingdom. The company later acquired HFM FoodService, Doerle Food Services, Kent Frozen Foods, and a stake in Pacific Star Foodservice. In 2021 it purchased Greco and Sons, Medina Foodservice, Paragon Foods through its FreshPoint division, and The Coastal Companies, strengthening its Italian specialty-food, regional foodservice, produce, and logistics capabilities. In 2023 Sysco announced the acquisition of Edward Don & Company, adding foodservice equipment, design, construction, and distribution capabilities. Further European expansion included the acquisition of Cambell's Prime Meat in Scotland in 2024 and the announced purchase of Ready Chef by Sysco Ireland. Sysco's business has increasingly combined distribution with technology, menu support, marketing assistance, supply-chain management, kitchen design, and sustainability programs. It has worked with the World Wildlife Fund on seafood sourcing since 2009, committed to cage-free eggs in its US supply chain, and introduced its One Planet. One Table. product assortment in 2023. It has also pursued lower-emission transport, including electric trucks and an electric-vehicle hub in California. Labor relations, food-storage compliance, supplier oversight, and allegations concerning labor conditions in seafood supply chains have generated scrutiny. By June 2024, the company reported approximately 76,000 employees, 730,000 customer locations, and 340 distribution centers in 10 countries. Sysco remains active and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SYY.

2024
European acquisitions and operating scale
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco expands its European portfolio and reports approximately 76,000 employees and 340 distribution centers in 10 countries.
2023
One Planet. One Table. launches
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco introduces a sustainability-oriented assortment of approximately 3,000 products.
2022
Electric-truck commitment
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco announces an order for 800 electric Freightliner eCascadia trucks.
2021
Specialty-food and produce expansion
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco acquires Greco and Sons, Medina Foodservice, Paragon Foods, and The Coastal Companies.
2019
Sysco GB established
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco's UK operations are organized following the Brakes expansion.
2016
Brakes acquisition announced
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco announces the purchase of British distributor Brakes.
2009
First acquisition outside North America
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco acquires Irish distributor Pallas Foods and begins its European expansion.
2002
Entry into Canada
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco expands into Canada through the acquisition of SERCA Foodservices.
1988
Nationwide distribution coverage
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
The acquisition of CFS Continental helps Sysco establish nationwide US coverage.
1970
Initial public offering
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Sysco becomes a public company and acquires Arrow Foods Distributor.
1969
Sysco is formed
[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Nine food distribution companies combine to establish Sysco.

Products and positioning

A full-service, scaled foodservice partner combining broadline distribution, specialty products, equipment, logistics, and operational support for professional food operators.

Foodservice distribution · 1969
Broadline food distribution
Sysco's core business distributes a broad assortment of food and non-food products through regional warehouses and delivery fleets. Its customers include independent and chain restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, sports venues, and other institutions. The assortment combines fresh, frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable products with packaging, disposables, sanitation goods, and operating supplies.
Fresh produce
FreshPoint
FreshPoint is Sysco's produce-focused division. It supplies fruits, vegetables, specialty produce, and related fresh items to professional kitchens and foodservice operators, complementing Sysco's broader distribution network and providing more specialized handling for perishable products.
Chain-restaurant distribution · 1984
Sygma
Sygma is a Sysco subsidiary specializing in supply-chain services for large restaurant chains. It operates dedicated distribution centers and coordinates deliveries for franchise and multi-unit customers requiring standardized products, dependable replenishment, and national or regional account support.
Specialty foods · 2021
Greco and Sons
Greco and Sons is an Italian specialty-food importer and distributor acquired by Sysco in 2021. It supplies imported and domestic Italian products to restaurants, specialty retailers, and other foodservice customers while operating as a distinct specialty business within the Sysco portfolio.
Equipment and services
Foodservice equipment and kitchen solutions
Sysco provides commercial kitchen equipment, dining-room supplies, utensils, and related services. Following the Edward Don & Company acquisition, the company also gained additional capabilities in equipment distribution, kitchen design, and kitchen construction for restaurant and institutional customers.
Sustainability-focused assortment · 2023
One Planet. One Table.
One Planet. One Table. is a Sysco assortment introduced in 2023 containing approximately 3,000 products associated with one or more sustainability certifications or standards. It is intended to help foodservice customers identify products connected with environmental or responsible-sourcing criteria.

Controversies

2024
Suspension of Dalian Haiqing Foods contracts
After reporting about alleged human-rights and labor abuses involving North Korean workers at a Chinese seafood processor, Sysco said it had suspended contracts with Dalian Haiqing Foods.
Source
2024
Female hiring-discrimination allegation
A US Department of Labor review led Sysco to agree to a settlement concerning an allegation that female applicants had experienced discriminatory hiring practices.
Source
2023
Supplier labor and seafood-sourcing scrutiny
Reporting raised allegations concerning labor conditions involving seafood suppliers and alleged fish mislabeling. The reporting also criticized the extent of supplier auditing in the United States.
Source
2014
California food-storage investigation
California authorities investigated Sysco's use of 21 unregistered and uninspected sheds for storing perishable products. Sysco paid a $19.4 million settlement.
Source

2023One Planet. One Table.
United States · Canada · United Kingdom · Ireland
Sysco introduced a sustainability-focused product assortment designed to make certified and standards-backed products easier for customers to identify.
Outcome. The assortment expanded Sysco's customer-facing sustainability merchandising.
Source
2016Cage-free egg commitment
United States
Sysco committed to sourcing 100 percent cage-free eggs in its US supply chain by 2026.
Outcome. The commitment became part of the company's animal-welfare and responsible-sourcing agenda.
Source
2009World Wildlife Fund sustainable seafood collaboration
United States · Canada · United Kingdom · Ireland
Sysco began working with the World Wildlife Fund on seafood-sourcing targets and responsible-fisheries practices.
Outcome. The collaboration informed later certified-seafood purchasing and sustainability commitments.
Source

Brand decisions

2026
Jetro Restaurant Depot acquisition agreementM&A
Background
Sysco pursued additional scale in the US foodservice-distribution market.
Action taken
Sysco reportedly contracted to acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot, subject to closing conditions.
Aftermath
The transaction was expected to close before Sysco's fiscal year ending in March 2027, but completion remained subject to the applicable conditions.
Announced transaction value including debt. (2026 announcement)
Source
2023
One Planet. One Table. product assortmentProduct launch
Background
Customers increasingly sought products linked to environmental, animal-welfare, and responsible-sourcing standards.
Action taken
Sysco launched a sustainability-oriented assortment containing approximately 3,000 products.
Aftermath
The range gave customers a curated way to identify products associated with recognized certifications and standards.
Source
2023
Edward Don & Company acquisitionM&A
Background
Sysco wanted to deepen its foodservice-equipment and customer-kitchen capabilities.
Action taken
Sysco announced the acquisition of Edward Don & Company.
Aftermath
The deal added office and distribution space and expanded Sysco's ability to design and build commercial kitchens.
Source
2022
Electric delivery fleetStrategy
Background
Sysco identified delivery transportation as a major component of its environmental impact.
Action taken
The company committed to purchasing 800 Freightliner eCascadia electric trucks and began receiving initial vehicles later in 2022.
Aftermath
Sysco continued deploying electric tractors in North America and Europe and announced an electric-vehicle hub in Riverside, California.
Source
2021
Sustainable seafood expansionStrategy
Background
Sysco sought to build on its long-running seafood work with the World Wildlife Fund and respond to demand for responsibly sourced products.
Action taken
The company announced increased purchasing from sustainable fisheries, with emphasis on Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications.
Aftermath
The commitment became part of Sysco's broader sustainability and product-assortment strategy.
Source
2021
Carbon-footprint reduction planStrategy
Background
Transportation and refrigeration are central to Sysco's distribution model and represent important areas for emissions reduction.
Action taken
Sysco announced a goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 27.5 percent by 2030.
Aftermath
The goal was followed by electric-truck procurement and development of lower-emission delivery infrastructure.
Source
2016
Brakes acquisitionM&A
Background
Sysco pursued European growth after its earlier expansion into Ireland and Canada.
Action taken
Sysco announced the purchase of British distributor Brakes.
Aftermath
The transaction strengthened Sysco's European footprint and contributed to the development of Sysco GB.
Announced acquisition value. (2016 announcement)
Source
2013
Proposed US Foods acquisitionM&A
Background
Sysco sought to combine with US Foods, its closest major US competitor, in order to increase scale and distribution coverage.
Action taken
Sysco announced a proposed acquisition valued at approximately $3.5 billion.
Aftermath
A federal judge ruled in 2015 that the combination would substantially limit competition, and Sysco terminated the transaction.
Proposed transaction value. (2013 announcement)
Source

Recent events

2026
Sysco agrees to acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Sysco reportedly contracted to acquire Jetro Restaurant Depot in a transaction expected to combine two major US foodservice-distribution businesses, subject to closing conditions.
2023
Teamsters strike at Sysco facilities[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Other
Teamsters members at Sysco locations in Louisville and Indianapolis struck over compensation and work schedules.
2023
Sysco introduces One Planet. One Table. assortment[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Campaign
Sysco launched an assortment of approximately 3,000 products associated with sustainability certifications or standards.
2022
Sysco commits to electric delivery trucks[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Sysco announced plans to purchase 800 Freightliner eCascadia electric trucks as part of its fleet-transition program.
2021
Sysco launches expanded sustainable seafood program[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced plans to increase procurement from sustainable fisheries and certified seafood sources.
2021
Sysco announces greenhouse-gas reduction target[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
Other
Sysco announced an objective to reduce its carbon footprint by 27.5 percent by 2030.
2016
Sysco announces acquisition of Brakes[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Sysco announced the purchase of British foodservice distributor Brakes, expanding its European distribution network and later supporting the formation of Sysco GB.
2015
Court blocks Sysco-US Foods combination[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Regulation
A federal judge ruled that the proposed combination would give the merged company excessive control of the US foodservice-distribution market and harm competition.
2013
Sysco announces planned acquisition of US Foods[1]Syscoen.wikipedia.org
M&A · Regulation
Sysco announced an agreement to acquire its closest major US competitor, but the transaction was later blocked on competition grounds and terminated.

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