Two years ago, Sysco announced some pretty bold goals to be achieved by 2025. Themed “Delivering a Better Tomorrow,” these actions focus on three areas: people, products, and the planet. Sysco’s vision is to capitalize on its size and reputation to produce positive, lasting change in the food service industry.
These goals include:
Feed Millions
Almost 40 million Americans, including more than 12 million children, are impacted by food insecurity. Food is more than Sysco’s business, it’s the company’s biggest opportunity to make a difference in the communities it calls home. That’s why they launched Nourishing Neighbors, a North American initiative committing a portion of proceeds from local sales of Sysco Brand products to nonprofit programs that fight hunger. It’s a big part of how they’ll reach their 2025 goal: to donate 200 million meals and $50 million to local communities.
Cultivate Wellness
Today more consumers are seeking vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, and plant-based protein products. Sysco continues to make progress toward expanding its portfolio to include organic choices and options for emerging dietary and lifestyle preferences while working closely with suppliers and growers to identify sustainable agricultural practices and reduce food waste.
Include Everyone
Sysco is committed to boosting total U.S. associate ethnic and gender diversity by recruiting and training diverse team members for roles where they are currently underrepresented. The company is also working to increase spending 25 percent with minority and women-owned suppliers by 2025.
Juice the Fleet
Sysco is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its fleet and electrification is at the core of the strategy. The 2025 public goal is to have 20 percent of the tractor fleet comprised of alternative fuel vehicles, and electric vehicles will play a big part in achieving that objective. Today, Sysco is collaborating with manufacturers to develop new models that can meet the specialized requirements of food delivery while significantly reducing the impact on the planet. Other highlighted goals:
- Divert 90% of operations and food waste from landfills.
- Source 20% of electricity from renewable sources.
- Expand Sysco’s sustainable agriculture program into five fresh crops.
- Double the availability of Sysco Brand organic produce.
Source Smarter
Respecting workers’ safety and human rights is a key goal for Sysco. In 2019, the company continued to make progress in expanding its social audit program as well as kicking off new collaborations to address human rights and fair labor practices in Asia. This includes a partnership with the WWF to conserve the health of marine life and the continued work with the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
How is Sysco doing so far?
With a little over one year under its belt, the Sysco community’s progress is noticeable. To date, the company has provided 7.5 million meals and $6.4 million in cash contributions. They added 15 new MWBE suppliers, increased year-over-year purchases by 4.3 percent, increased total U.S. associate ethnic and gender diversity to 57.2 percent, and launched Sysco Simply brand, emphasizing vegan and vegetarian dining. With this quick of a start, Sysco’s 2025 vision looks very promising.
