US Foods

US Foods Holding Corp., established in 1989, is a public company operating in the food industry. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol USFD. US Foods is a leading food service distributor in the United States, providing prepackaged and frozen foods, fresh produce, and food service distribution services. It serves more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality facilities, government institutions, and educational entities.

The company has 60 locations and a workforce of around 28,000 employees. US Foods generates significant annual revenue, reaching $29.487 billion in 2021, with an operating income of $424 million and a net income of $164 million. The company's total assets in 2021 were valued at $12.521 billion, with total equity at $3.735 billion.

US Foods has a long history, with roots tracing back to the 19th century, including John Sexton & Company, a business that began in 1883 as a retail tea and coffee merchant in Chicago. Over the years, US Foods expanded through acquisitions, such as S.E. Rykoff & Co., and later changes like its 1992 formation by Unifax, Inc. The 2000s saw further expansion with Royal Ahold acquiring the company in 2000, and several subsequent acquisitions.

The company faced notable developments, including a planned 2013 acquisition by Sysco for $8.2 billion, which was later blocked in 2015 due to competition concerns. It has continued its growth strategy through various acquisitions, including SGA Food Group in 2019 and Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores in 2020.

US Foods has rebranded several of its speciality divisions over time, including renaming North Star Foodservice and Next Day Gourmet as US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies.

US Foods Holding Corp. has a long and complex history that began with its roots in the 19th century. John Sexton & Company, a key predecessor, was founded in 1883 in Chicago, Illinois, as a retail tea and coffee merchant. By 1887, Sexton shifted focus to serving hotels and restaurants, closing its retail locations.

In 1891, the company began producing private-label products like pickles, salad dressings, and preserves and established a food testing lab to maintain product quality. It expanded nationally, developing a mail-order catalogue business and a delivery network that included horse-drawn wagons and later electric and diesel trucks.

By 1962, John Sexton & Co. was publicly listed on the Over the Counter Stock Market with $79 million in sales. 

In 1968, Beatrice Foods acquired Sexton for $37.5 million, maintaining it as an independent division until 1983 when it was sold to S.E. Rykoff & Co. of Los Angeles.

In the 1970s, the food distribution industry saw significant changes, with many companies consolidating to form multi-branch organisations. For example, Sysco was formed in 1970 from five wholesale grocery companies, becoming a major competitor. 

By the 1990s, US Foods’ predecessor JP Foodservice, Inc. was publicly listed on NASDAQ in 1994. Sara Lee Corporation was a key shareholder, holding 37% of JP’s stock. In 1996, JP moved its listing to the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol JPF.

US Foods underwent a major transformation in 1992 when Unifax, Inc. established U.S. Foodservice to acquire White Swan, Inc. The company expanded through multiple acquisitions, including its purchase by Royal Ahold in 2000 for $3.6 billion. The 2010s were marked by further acquisitions and an attempt by Sysco to acquire US Foods in 2013 for $8.2 billion. However, this merger was blocked in 2015 due to concerns about market control, leading Sysco to terminate the deal.

US Foods continued expanding through acquisitions such as SGA Food Group in 2019 for $1.8 billion and Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores in 2020 for $972 million. In 2023, the company acquired Renzi Foodservice and Saladino’s Foodservice.

The company rebranded in 2011, officially changing its name from U.S. Foodservice to US Foods, Inc., and updated the names of several divisions. 

Today, US Foods operates with more than 28,000 employees and 60 locations across the United States, serving over 250,000 customers and generating USD 37.322 Billion in revenue as one of the leading foodservice distributors in the country.

US Foods aims to support its customers by providing a broad range of food products and related services that help businesses thrive. The company's mission focuses on delivering high-quality products, innovative solutions, and reliable services to restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other food service operators across the United States. US Foods is committed to being a dependable partner by offering a comprehensive range of items, from fresh produce to prepackaged foods, along with technology and business solutions. The goal is to enhance customer operations, ensure efficient distribution, and help food service businesses grow and succeed.

US Foods’ vision is to be the most trusted partner for food service operators across the United States. It seeks to achieve this by constantly innovating, enhancing its product range, and improving distribution services to meet the evolving needs of the industry. The company envisions a future where it continues to lead through quality, reliability, and effective support for its customers' businesses. By focusing on sustainable practices and efficiency, US Foods strives to set industry standards and maintain a strong reputation as a dependable source of food and related services, ensuring long-term growth and success for its customers.

In 2021, the company was named Foodservice Distributor of the Year by Refrigerated & Frozen Foods magazine, highlighting its innovative solutions during challenging times. The same year, US Foods received the Accenture Corporate Innovator Award, acknowledging its efforts in driving industry innovation. Additionally, the company was honoured with the Sustainable Footprint Award, reflecting its dedication to sustainable practices.

US Foods provides an extensive range of products and services designed to support the diverse needs of foodservice operators across the United States. The company’s product portfolio includes over 350,000 items, spanning prepackaged and frozen foods, fresh produce, and other essential food items. These offerings cater to restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and various other foodservice providers.

Food products by US foods 

US Foods supplies a wide variety of food products that include fresh meats, seafood, dairy products, and bakery items. The company’s prepackaged and frozen foods are popular among foodservice operators looking for convenience and consistent quality. This range includes ready-to-cook meals, appetisers, and desserts that save time and effort for kitchen staff. Fresh produce is also an integral part of US Foods’ offerings, ensuring that customers have access to high-quality fruits and vegetables year-round.

US Foods has a selection of exclusive brand products that provide unique options for customers. These brands cover a range of products such as high-quality meats, speciality cheeses, and condiments, all created to enhance foodservice menus. The company’s brands are designed to provide reliable quality while allowing operators to create varied and appealing menus.

US Foods culinary equipment and supplies

Beyond food products, US Foods offers a range of kitchen equipment and supplies through its Culinary Equipment & Supplies division. This service ensures that food service operators can access essential kitchen tools, appliances, and supplies needed for efficient kitchen operations. Items include cooking equipment, food storage solutions, cutlery, and tableware.

US Foods technology solutions 

US Foods also provides technology services aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity of foodservice businesses. These include e-commerce platforms that allow customers to order products online, track deliveries, and manage their accounts more effectively. The company’s technology solutions help streamline operations, allowing customers to focus more on their core business.

US Foods business solutions 

US Foods offers business solutions that support foodservice operators with menu planning, recipe costing, and other essential tasks. The company helps its customers optimise their menus, ensuring they can provide meals that are both appealing and cost-effective. This includes assistance in menu development to match current food trends and dietary needs.

Distribution services by US foods

US Foods has a robust distribution network that ensures timely delivery across the United States. The company operates from over 60 distribution centres and employs a large fleet of delivery vehicles, enabling it to provide reliable and consistent service to its customers. The distribution network is designed to maintain the quality and safety of products, adhering to strict food safety protocols from warehouse to customer delivery.

US Foods focuses on sustainability initiatives

US Foods also focuses on sustainability in its products and services. The company works to source products responsibly and incorporates practices that reduce environmental impact. This includes efforts to minimise waste, promote energy efficiency, and engage in sustainable sourcing for its products.

Support services provided by US foods 

To further support food service operators, US Foods provides training and resources. This can include culinary workshops, safety training, and business strategy sessions. The aim is to equip customers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their operations and achieve greater success.