Profile: Sysco Corporation (SYY)

Sysco Corporation (Sysco), along with its subsidiaries and divisions, is a North American distributor of food and related products primarily to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry. It provides products and related services to approximately 400,000 customers, including restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers. The Company has aggregated its operating companies into a number of segments, of which only Broadline and SYGMA are the main segments. Broadline operating companies distribute a line of food products and a variety of non-food products to their customers. SYGMA operating companies distribute a line of food products and a variety of non-food products to chain restaurant customer locations. As of June 27, 2009, the Company operated 186 distribution facilities throughout the United States, Canada and Ireland. On March 31, 2009, the Company acquired Pallas Foods Limited, a foodservice distributor based in Newcastle West, Ireland.

Other financial information is attributable to its other segments, including its specialty produce, custom-cut meat and lodging industry products segments and a company that distributes to international customers. Specialty produce companies distribute fresh produce and, on a limited basis, other foodservice products. Specialty meat companies distribute custom-cut fresh steaks, other meat, seafood and poultry. Its lodging industry products company distributes personal care guest amenities, equipment, housekeeping supplies, room accessories and textiles to the lodging industry. The products Sysco distributes include a line of frozen foods, such as meats, prepared entrees, fruits, vegetables and desserts; a line of canned and dry foods; fresh meats; dairy products; beverage products; imported specialties, and fresh produce. The Company also supplies a variety of non-food items, including paper products, such as disposable napkins, plates and cups; tableware, such as china and silverware; cookware, such as pots, pans and utensils; restaurant and kitchen equipment and supplies, and cleaning supplies.