Home Grown by Sysco pilot program launches in 3 U.S. regions, locally sourced program includes parts of Canada
MWN-AI** Summary
Sysco Corporation has announced the launch of a pilot program called Home Grown by Sysco aimed at enhancing access to locally sourced foods and artisan products. This initiative, set to commence on February 24, 2026, targets three U.S. regions: the Great Lakes, Northeast, and South Florida, along with locations in Montreal and British Columbia, Canada. As part of Sysco’s broader sustainability strategy known as One Planet One Table, the program seeks to streamline the identification of approximately 10,000 locally sourced products through the Sysco Shop website and mobile app.
Sysco defines "locally sourced" as products that originate close to its distribution centers, often within the same state or province. The Home Grown by Sysco concept initially took form in the Great Lakes region in 2021, and has now been adapted company-wide in response to increasing customer demand for locally produced foods. Notably, around two-thirds of diners express that locally sourced options are necessary in table-service restaurants, highlighting the market relevance of this initiative.
The pilot program will support enhanced software and product identifiers to improve customer experience and ensure transparency before a planned nationwide expansion within the next year. Sysco aims to build robust local supply chains, crucial for both their sustainability goals and the success of independent restaurants and local suppliers.
With Sysco's operational footprint covering 339 distribution centers across 10 countries and sales exceeding $81 billion in fiscal year 2025, the Home Grown by Sysco program represents a strategic step toward meeting evolving consumer preferences for sustainable and locally sourced culinary options. The initiative underscores Sysco's commitment to community engagement and the resilience of food systems. For more updates, visit Sysco's website or follow their social media channels.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The launch of the Home Grown by Sysco pilot program marks a significant step for Sysco Corporation in addressing the increasing consumer interest in locally sourced foods. As a financial analyst, it's important to evaluate the potential implications of this venture on Sysco's market position and future growth.
This program, starting in the Great Lakes, Northeast, and South Florida regions, alongside parts of Canada, promises to enhance Sysco's supply chain resilience while catering to the growing demand for sustainability in food procurement. Customers are increasingly drawn to local sourcing, with two-thirds of diners indicating they prefer restaurants that offer such options. This pilot not only aims to meet consumer preferences but also aligns with Sysco's broader sustainability strategy.
From a financial perspective, Sysco's investment in this program could drive increased sales by tapping into the artisanal food market, which is gaining popularity. By expanding the variety of locally sourced products available—up to 10,000 items—Sysco positions itself as a leader in sustainable distribution, potentially attracting new clientele from both the restaurant and grocery sectors.
Moreover, the Home Grown initiative emphasizes relationships with local suppliers, potentially reducing transportation costs and supporting regional economies, which can enhance Sysco's brand image. As sustainability becomes a key driver for investors, this pilot could further solidify Sysco's reputation as a socially responsible entity, appealing to ESG-conscious investors.
In summary, investors should closely monitor the outcomes of the Home Grown by Sysco program as it could lead to increased market share, enhanced customer loyalty, and improved financial performance driven by consumer demand for locally sourced, sustainable products. Sysco's ability to execute and scale this program effectively will be critical to its continued success in a competitive market.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation, the global leader in food distribution, is launching a pilot Home Grown by Sysco program dedicated to bringing locally sourced foods and artisan products to more customers and communities.
The Home Grown by Sysco program will make it easier for sales teams and customers to identify about 10,000 locally sourced products on the Sysco Shop website and mobile app. The pilot beginning February 24 includes the Great Lakes, Northeast and South Florida regions in the United States, as well as the Montreal site and British Columbia region in Canada. The goal is to expand the program across the United States within the next 12 months.
The program is a part of Sysco’s One Planet One Table assortment of sustainability related products and is critical to a newly launched sustainability strategy that seeks to bring locally sourced products to more tables around the world.
The pilot defines “locally sourced” as items that originate from a geographic area close to a Sysco distribution center, typically within the same state or province or a designated distance, depending on the site, product and applicable laws.
“Home Grown by Sysco’s expansion is a direct response to ever-growing customer demand for locally grown and raised products as well as artisan items,” said Lauren Contreras, director of sustainable food systems at Sysco.
Locally sourced products have long been available through Sysco, and the Great Lakes Region named their program Home Grown by Sysco in 2021. That name is now being adopted for the pilot program in the United States.
The Great Lakes Region branch of Home Grown by Sysco offers everything from specialty fish, chicken and cheese to artisan Bloody Mary mix.
“This is not only responsive to two-thirds of diners who say table-service restaurants must have locally sourced foods. This is about our commitment to small businesses – from independent restaurants to local suppliers – and the important role we play in their success and growth,” said Peter Peluso, Sysco’s Great Lakes Region president, who helped create the Home Grown by Sysco program.
The pilot program launching later in February will help Sysco improve software and identifiers to make the customer experience seamless and transparent prior to scaling it across North America.
“This program is a critical part of our recently launched sustainability strategy, which includes a commitment to building resilient supply chains and increasing product offerings from emerging suppliers,” Contreras said. “Such vibrant local supply chains are integral to our food system and play a crucial role in Securing the Future of Food for our customers and communities alike.”
About Sysco
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food and related products to customers who prepare meals away from home. This includes restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments, entertainment venues, and more. Sysco operates 339 distribution centers, in 10 countries, with 75,000 colleagues serving approximately 730,000 customer locations. The company generated sales of more than $81 billion in fiscal year 2025 that ended June 28, 2025.
As the world’s largest food-away-from-home distributor, Sysco offers customized supply chain solutions, bespoke specialty product offerings, and culinary support to drive customers to innovate and optimize their operations. We act as a trusted business partner to our customers, helping them grow through our industry-leading portfolio that includes fresh produce, premium proteins, specialty products, sustainably focused items, equipment and supplies, and innovative culinary solutions.
For more information, visit www.sysco.com. For important news and key information for Sysco investors, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at investors.sysco.com.
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For more information contact:
Media Contact
Ramit Plushnick-Masti
media@sysco.com
713-703-4898
SYY-NEWS
FAQ**
How will the Home Grown by Sysco program impact the operational efficiency and sales performance of Sysco Corporation SYY in the regions where it is piloted?
What measures is Sysco Corporation SYY taking to ensure the quality and sustainability of the locally sourced products included in the Home Grown by Sysco program?
How does the launch of the Home Grown by Sysco program align with Sysco Corporation SYY's long-term sustainability strategy and goals for expanding locally sourced offerings?
In what ways does Sysco Corporation SYY plan to gather customer feedback during the pilot phase of the Home Grown by Sysco program to inform future expansions?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY).
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