On our latest From the Cold Corner Podcast, I sit down with Neil Russell, VP of corporate affairs at Sysco, for details about the company’s constantly evolving strategies during the pandemic. 

Sysco has donated 30 million meals across eight countries since mid-March as part of its community response strategy to the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations were valued at over $100 million and included nearly 16 million pounds of fresh produce and approximately six million pounds of fresh dairy products.

Sysco has launched its Restaurant Readiness Tool, a first-of-its kind simulation that intuitively provides a comprehensive view of best practices, key considerations and essential supplies for operators reopening their restaurants as COVID-19 stay-at-home orders continue to ease.

I read the recent quarterly reports from Tyson and Sysco (Q2, and Q3, respectively) and both reflect the deep impact of restaurant, hotel, catering and other volume foodservice shutdowns on each of their businesses (and by extension, the cold foods supply chain) due to COVID-19. Here are my thoughts on the future of foodservice and what companies along the cold chain can do prepare for it. 

Sysco Corporation announced the launch of a new “Foodservice Doesn’t Brake for Adversity” campaign designed to help small foodservice businesses stay in business. The campaign will consist of strategically placed messages across multiple channels designed to encourage Americans to support their local restaurants and also highlights the resilience of all foodservice workers.

Sysco Corporation will kick off a month-long social media campaign, Take Out To Give Back, in conjunction with No Kid Hungry in order to provide healthy and nutritious meals in underserved communities while promoting the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

Sysco Corporation announced business and financial updates in response to changes in the foodservice industry due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Sysco announced it will donate 2.5 million meals over the next four weeks as part of its community response strategy to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plant-based alternatives to traditional animal proteins like beef, pork, chicken and seafood remains a hot trend in 2020. Three giants of the industry--Nestlé, Sysco and US Foods--are each launching their own signature meatless products this year. Here's a detailed look at each one.