Sysco 2009 Annual Report Download - page 21

PART I
ITEM 1. Business
Unless this Form 10-K indicates otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Sysco,” or “the company” as used in
this Form 10-K refer to Sysco Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries and divisions.
Overview
Sysco Corporation, acting through its subsidiaries and divisions, is the largest North American distributor of food and related products primarily
to the foodservice or “food-away-from-home” industry. We provide products and related services to approximately 400,000 customers, including
restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other foodservice customers.
Founded in 1969, Sysco commenced operations as a public company in March 1970 when the stockholders of nine companies exchanged their
stock for Sysco common stock. Since our formation, we have grown from $115 million to approximately $37 billion in annual sales, both through
internal expansion of existing operations and through acquisitions.
Sysco Corporation is organized under the laws of Delaware. The address and telephone number of our executive offices are 1390 Enclave
Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077-2099, [phone]. This annual report on Form 10-K, as well as all other reports filed or furnished by Sysco
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are available free of charge on Sysco’s website at www.sysco.com as soon
as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Operating Segments
Sysco provides food and related products to the foodservice or “food-away-from-home” industry. Under the accounting provisions related to
disclosures about segments of an enterprise, we have aggregated our operating companies into a number of segments, of which only Broadline and
SYGMA are reportable segments as defined by accounting standards. Broadline operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a
wide variety of non-food products to their customers. SYGMA operating companies distribute a full line of food products and a wide variety of non-
food products to chain restaurant customer locations. “Other” financial information is attributable to our other segments, including our 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. Our lodging industry products company distributes personal care guest amenities, equipment, house-
keeping supplies, room accessories and textiles to the lodging industry. Selected financial data for each of our reportable segments as well as
financial information concerning geographic areas can be found in Note 20, Business Segment Information, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8.
Customers and Products
Sysco’s customers in the foodservice industry include restaurants, hospitals, schools, hotels and industrial caterers. Services to our customers
are supported by similar physical facilities, vehicles, material handling equipment and techniques, and administrative and operating staffs.
The products we distribute include:
• a full line of frozen foods, such as meats, fully prepared entrees, fruits, vegetables and desserts;
• a full line of canned and dry foods;
• fresh meats;
• dairy products;
• beverage products;
• imported specialties; and
• fresh produce.
We also supply a wide 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.
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