Sysco

Sysco is an American multinational corporation involved in marketing and distributing food products, smallwares, kitchen equipment and tabletop items to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries.

History

Sysco was founded by John F. Baugh in Houston, Texas, on March 19, 1969. The company began its operations in Houston, Texas and through a series of acquisitions, it became the largest food distributor in the United States.

Operations

Sysco operates approximately 330 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 600,000 customer locations. The company's operations are primarily located in the US and Canada. Sysco also operates in Ireland, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Sysco's product lines are as diverse as the 50,300 employees who support its daily operations. They include not only the ingredients needed to prepare meals, but also numerous ancillary preparation and serving items. As a result, Sysco can make a difference in its customers' lives and the success of their businesses.

Business Model

Sysco's business model is to sell, market and distribute food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, and other customers who prepare meals away from home. It also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates through three business segments: U.S. Foodservice Operations, International Foodservice Operations, and SYGMA.

Criticism and Controversy

Sysco has faced criticism and controversy over its business practices. In 2014, the company was fined $19.4 million for holding perishable foods such as seafood, milk and raw meat in unrefrigerated sheds. The company has also been criticized for its labor practices, including allegations of wage theft and unsafe working conditions.

See Also

• Foodservice
• John F. Baugh
• List of food companies