In an uncertain environment for the U.S. restaurant industry, rising sales among food distributors and restaurant chains’ plans for expansion represent a few positive signs for foodservice growth to start 2025.
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.-based food distribution firm Sysco recently reported an increase in global sales to USD 20.2 billion (EUR 19 billion) in its second fiscal quarter of 2025, a 4.5 percent increase compared to the same period of 2024, while gross profit increased 3.9 percent to USD 3.7 billion (EUR 3.5 billion).
In the firm’s financial report for the period, Sysco Chairman of the Board and CEO Kevin Hourican noted that the distributor’s international business was particularly strong, delivering a 14.5 percent increase in operating income and a 26.5 percent increase in adjusted operating income year over year.
Similarly, sales for its U.S. foodservice operation rose 4.1 percent to USD 14 billion (EUR 13 billion), while gross profit inclined 2.9 percent to USD 2.7 billion (EUR 2.6 billion).
“Our efforts generated positive operating leverage and sequential improvements to gross profits. We are encouraged by the momentum in our business and are reiterating our full-year guidance, including sales growth of 4 percent to 5 percent and adjusted earnings per share growth of 6 percent to 7 percent,” Sysco Chief Financial Officer Kenny Cheung said.
Coming off a tough 2024, the U.S. restaurant industry, like food distribution, is also showing some signs of growth …
