Latest news with #Sysco
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Samsara Beyond event highlights AI's impact on fleet safety, efficiency
SAN DIEGO – Key takeaways from the Samsara Beyond event after customer interviews, press conferences and facility tours is the growing use of artificial intelligence in physical operations to improve safety and efficiency. Safety and security was a chief concern for Samsara customers, who in a recent panel ranged from agriculture, chemical distribution and food service. Each had various types of fleets paired with a complex multi layered internal supply chain, requiring telematics and machine learning to improve efficiency. At a press conference following Samsara's keynote, industry leaders from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Univar Solutions and Sysco discussed how Samsara's AI-powered platform has transformed their transportation operations. A common theme was customers using real-time data, geofencing and driver coaching to reduce accidents and improve efficiency. Univar Solutions talked about how safety is a cornerstone of their operations. The company operates in environments where noise and hazardous materials pose constant risks, including handling hazardous materials or high-value cargo. Rob McRae, vice president of transportation at Univar Solutions, highlighted the stakes, telling journalists, 'Our operations can involve a dangerous environment — 150 feet away, you can't hear over the noise, yet it's critical to stay safe. We're dealing with hazardous materials, and accidents can happen. Safety is our top priority, adding layers of protection to ensure our employees get home safely.' Nutrien Ag Solutions, using Samsara's technology, saw a major reduction in incidents since adopting the platform three years ago. Springs said, 'We're seeing consistent increases in safety metrics.' The improvement also extends to community safety and transparency. 'Samsara's platform helps us meet that obligation through technology and proactive safety measures,' Springs added. Beyond safety, customers spoke of how Samsara's platform streamlines operations through real-time data and automation. For Nutrien Ag Solutions, the adoption of Level Monitoring, which provides visibility into gas, solid, and liquid levels across a range of tank types, brought about added benefits. Springs described the labor-intensive process of manually checking tank levels: 'Historically, checking tank levels required manual effort — climbing ladders, using side gauges, or other methods to determine product levels. This was time-consuming, especially for tanks spread across a 100-mile radius.' Samsara's solution eliminates these inefficiencies. 'We can get notifications when tanks reach a certain level, allowing us to dispatch efficiently without unnecessary trips,' Springs said, noting that this saves hours and provides better transparency into levels, which can help them better serve their customers while giving them a competitive advantage. Univar Solutions, which manages a private fleet of 1,000 vehicles, also talked about the benefits of dispatch and maintenance tools. McRae described some features: 'Samsara's dispatch tool integrates driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and operational data into a single platform, providing high-level dashboards for executives and tactical tools for dispatchers.' Faster dispatching allows Univar Solutions to handle last-minute loads more efficiently. McRae praised the maintenance tool, saying, 'It provides intuitive data to validate repair costs — say, a $700 air brake replacement — against market rates, ensuring cost efficiency.' Sysco was another example of using technology to boost safety and efficiency. Sysco used the Samsara platform to put tech driven safety as part of its cultural framework. Kevin Thomas, vice president of global EHSS and asset protection, told the audience, 'From a culture standpoint, safety is central to our identity. Two years ago, we engaged our more than 70,000 employees to create our safety tagline, 'Safety is Our Main Ingredient,' and introduced our safety mascot, 'Shellbert,' an egg symbolizing care…Samsara's platform helps us show employees that leadership prioritizes their safety, fostering a culture where everyone goes home safe,' Thomas said. This focus has an added benefit to driver retention. Thomas noted, 'Key indicators for us are reducing safety incidents and the financial impact of claims. While we always aim to improve these metrics, it's not just about numbers — it's about caring for our people.' Thomas also noted a significant reduction in incident rates after partnering with Samsara. Univar Solutions' McRae echoed the cultural impact, he talked about how Samsara AI Dash Cams capture positive driver behaviors for recognition on their internal platform, 'The Hub.' 'These videos are the most-clicked content on The Hub, driving engagement and creating a flywheel effect for safety,' McRae said. Branch locations that used to have inconsistent safety records now show extended periods without incidents following the driver coaching deployment. To showcase the tech in action, Samsara held a closed event open to the press at a Mex-Cal Truckline terminal. For San Diego-based Mex-Cal Truckline, geofencing and asset tracking are critical for managing their fleet. Javier Rogel, chief innovation officer at Mex-Cal Truckline explained, 'Our geofences are essential for managing 700 trailers with just two people. Alerts notify us if a trailer overstays at a customer's yard — after three days, we charge $25 per day.' This system ensures prompt equipment recovery and supports Mex-Cal's leasing operations. 'We've tried other GPS solutions, but they're costly and less reliable. Samsara is high quality and recognized in the market, giving us an edge when leasing trailers,' Rogel added. Mex-Cal Truckline's operations also highlight the complexities of cross-border logistics with cargo security. Yvette Guillen, chief customer officer, spoke of one example telematics is helping, the company's Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) certification: 'This certification and Samsara's technology are critical investments for our cross-border operations.' The company faces additional challenges, including keeping cargo safe from theft as it moves between various facilities between the border. Samsara's geofencing mitigates risks like cargo theft, prevalent in high-risk areas like Tijuana. 'Cargo theft is a major concern at the border. If a truck stops for more than 30 seconds, Samsara sends an alert,' Rogel explained. 'We review camera footage for suspicious activity and may request U.S. Customs to x-ray the truck.' This added layer of security, supported by dual-facing AI dash cams and asset gateways, ensures compliance with clients like large North American automakers, who mandate CTPAT standards for carriers wishing to haul their shipments. Mex-Cal Truckline has also leveraged Samsara AI Dash Cams to address driver safety. Guillen reported a significant reduction in accidents following adoption. Often, the biggest low hanging fruit is driver distraction from cell phone use. Guillen talked about how in 2023 the company saw a spike in accidents, but by 2024 they reduced their DOT accident rating from features like real-time alerts that warn drivers to put down their phones. After identifying the behavior, the next step was helping drivers break the habit. Guillen added, 'The alerts prompt drivers to correct behaviors on their own, reducing the need for office coaching. Drivers want to stay on the road, so they adapt quickly to avoid violations.' Based on conversations with customers and tech providers while at the event, expect to see continued improvement in fleet safety and efficiency as AI adoption rates increase. Samsara leaders noted that for AI itself, the sky is the limit. They noted AI solves practical problems, whether customer notifications of delayed deliveries, automatic tracking links or coaching drivers based on event analysis. AI is also expanding into maintenance, processing invoices and optimizing labor, freeing up customer capacity. Samsara remains focused on giving customers leverage without rushing automation. The company notes that AI is about enabling better outcomes, not replacing people. Customers have seen a measurable impact on their safety and operations. 'The details matter—our customers' real-world results show the impact of our technology. We encourage everyone to try our products and see the difference. We're excited about the future, from AI to partnerships, and we're committed to solving problems for our customers in a practical, impactful way,' said Sanjit Biswas, co-founder and CEO of Samsara. To learn more, visit The post Samsara Beyond event highlights AI's impact on fleet safety, efficiency appeared first on FreightWaves.
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
4 Miscellaneous Food Stocks to Keep an Eye on Amid Market Challenges
The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry continues to face a tough macroeconomic backdrop, with persistent inflation weighing on consumer spending and accelerating the shift toward private-label alternatives. At the same time, rising input costs and increased operational expenses are squeezing profit margins across the sector. To navigate these pressures, food companies are embracing strategic initiatives centered on cost efficiency, product innovation and portfolio diversification. Industry leaders such as Mondelez International, Inc. MDLZ, Sysco Corporation SYY, McCormick & Company MKC and Celsius Holdings, Inc. CELH are leveraging these efforts to drive growth in an evolving marketplace. About the Industry The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry consists of companies that manufacture and sell a wide range of food and packaged food items, such as cereals, flour, sauces, bakery items, spices and condiments, natural and organic food items and frozen products. Some companies also provide comfort food items, such as chocolates and ready-to-serve meals, soups and snacks. A few players are engaged in providing pet food products and supplements. Several food companies also offer organic and natural products. Companies operating in this space sell their products mainly through wholesalers, distributors, large retail organizations, grocery chains, mass merchandisers, drug stores and e-commerce service providers. Some also cater to foodservice channels, including restaurants, cafes and hotels. Others offer services to schools, hospitals and industry caterers. Major Trends Shaping the Future of the Food Industry Challenging Market Landscape: The food industry is facing a tough macroeconomic landscape, with persistent inflation and shrinking consumer spending power reshaping buying habits. Shoppers are increasingly opting for lower-cost alternatives, with private-label products gaining ground over traditional national brands. At the same time, reduced foot traffic in quick-service restaurants is contributing to weaker foodservice performance, putting pressure on sales in key markets. As a result, many leading food brands are reporting softer sales volumes. To combat these challenges, food companies are shifting strategies — emphasizing value-focused marketing, launching targeted promotional campaigns and expanding their portfolios with affordable, budget-friendly product lines to better meet evolving consumer demand. Cost Pressure: Food companies are under growing pressure as rising costs weigh heavily on margins. Elevated key input prices — such as raw ingredients, labor, packaging and transportation — are tightening profitability. On top of that, businesses are absorbing additional operational expenses tied to essential long-term investments in efficiency, performance upgrades, and capacity expansion. While necessary for future growth, these initiatives are creating short-term financial strain. Compounding the issue, global trade tensions and tariffs have further escalated input costs, especially for imported materials. In response, companies across the food sector are aggressively pursuing cost-control strategies — streamlining supply chains, optimizing sourcing, and implementing operational efficiencies — to protect margins and navigate this inflationary environment. Strengthening Brands and Revamping Portfolio: Established brands continue to provide a competitive edge, fueling strong customer loyalty and supporting business growth. This advantage, combined with a commitment to innovation, has helped companies maintain their market position. As demand for healthier and more nutritious products rises, companies are introducing innovative organic options and expanding their wellness-focused offerings. Beyond product development, efforts to modernize production capabilities and diversify product portfolios have delivered meaningful results. These initiatives have reinforced market positioning while paving the way for future expansion by ensuring adaptability to shifting consumer preferences and industry trends. The ability to stay aligned with evolving customer demands has become a crucial driver of success. Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry is housed within the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #187, which places it in the bottom 24% of more than 250 Zacks industries. The group's Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dull near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence about this group's earnings growth potential. Since the beginning of April 2025, the industry's consensus earnings estimate for the current financial year has declined 3.1%. Let's take a look at the industry's performance and current valuation. Industry vs. Broader Market The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector over the past year. The industry has declined 6.9% over this period against the S&P 500's growth of 12.5%. Meanwhile, the broader sector has gained 3.9% in the said time frame. One-Year Price Performance Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E), which is commonly used for valuing consumer staples stocks, the industry is currently trading at 15.85X compared with the S&P 500's 22.43X and the sector's 17.39X. Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 20.75X and as low as 14.47X, with the median being at 17.53X, as the chart below shows. Price-to-Earnings Ratio (Past 5 Years) 4 Food Stocks to Keep a Close Eye On Mondelez: This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is a global powerhouse in the confectionery, food, beverage, and snack food industry. With a strong portfolio of iconic brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar, and Tate's Bake Shop — as well as premium chocolates like Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka, and Toblerone — Mondelez continues to shape the future of snacking. The company is delivering consistent growth by focusing on its core categories, including chocolate, biscuits, and baked snacks. Strategic portfolio reshaping, ongoing investment in product innovation, and impactful brand activations are key drivers of Mondelez's long-term success. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. By enhancing brand relevance, optimizing operational efficiency, and maintaining disciplined cost management, Mondelez is well-positioned to sustain financial performance. Additionally, the company is investing in healthier snacking options to meet rising consumer demand for well-being and active lifestyle choices. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mondelez's current financial-year earnings per share (EPS) has remained unchanged at $3.02 in the last 30 days. Shares of MDLZ have gained 2.2% in the past year. Price and Consensus: MDLZ Sysco: This Zacks Rank #3 company continues to capitalize on growth opportunities within the expanding food-away-from-home market, supported by its diversified operations and strategic initiatives. The company's "Recipe for Growth" framework is central to its long-term success, enhancing capabilities across sales, supply chain, and customer engagement. Sysco's five strategic pillars include elevating the customer experience through advanced digital tools, optimizing supply chain operations for greater efficiency and consistency, and delivering customer-focused merchandising and marketing solutions to drive sales. In addition, the company is strengthening its performance through team-based selling strategies and expanding into new channels, segments, and capabilities. Cost-efficiency remains a key focus, with Sysco making targeted investments backed by savings initiatives. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SYY's current fiscal-year EPS has remained unchanged at $4.38 in the past 30 days. Shares of Sysco have gained 7.3% in a year. Price and Consensus: SYY McCormick: This Zacks Rank #3 company is a global leader in flavor, known for manufacturing, marketing, and distributing herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments, and flavor solutions. The company's continued focus on innovation and expansion of its distribution footprint has reinforced its leadership across core product categories and key global markets. McCormick is leveraging several growth drivers — including robust brand marketing, cutting-edge product and packaging innovation, effective category management, and proprietary technology. The company's ability to drive revenues through increased volume, rather than relying solely on pricing strategies, underscores the strength and broad consumer appeal of its diverse brand portfolio. McCormick's Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program plays a vital role in fueling strategic investments and enhancing operating margins. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MKC's current financial-year EPS has moved down by a couple of cents to $3.02 in the past 30 days. Shares of McCormick have gained 8% in the past year. Price and Consensus: MKC Celsius Holdings: This Zacks Rank #3 company has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing names in the beverage industry by positioning itself as a clean, health-conscious alternative to traditional energy drinks. Celsius Holdings' zero-sugar, clean-label offerings have gained strong traction among Gen Z and millennial consumers who value wellness, performance, and transparency. Product innovation continues to be a core growth engine for Celsius Holdings, enabling the brand to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences. The company further strengthened its market position with the strategic acquisition of Alani Nu, completed on April 1, 2025. CELH has also made significant strides in expanding its retail distribution footprint, securing increased shelf space across major national and regional retailers. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celsius Holdings' current financial-year EPS has moved down by almost 9% to 81 cents in the last 30 days. Shares of CELH have declined 18.9% in the past year. Price and Consensus: CELH Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ): Free Stock Analysis Report McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC): Free Stock Analysis Report Sysco Corporation (SYY): Free Stock Analysis Report Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH): Free Stock Analysis Report
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Mental Health Awareness Month Finds Sysco Employee Programs
Originally published on May 14, 2025 on LinkedIn May was Mental Health Awareness Month!At Sysco, we recognize that supporting mental health is essential to building a strong, inclusive workplace. We're proud to introduce Food for Thought, our Mental Health Colleague Resource Group, created to champion mental well-being across our recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month—and in alignment with this year's theme, Turning Awareness into Action—the CRG is hosting a series of internal events and sharing tools to reduce stigma, foster education, and encourage meaningful investing in mental health, we strengthen our teams, our culture, and our impact. About Sysco Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco's 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at For more information, visit or connect with Sysco on Facebook at For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company's Internet home page at which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information. View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Sysco Corporation
Reuters
18-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Litigation funder fires back at Tyson Foods over settlement interference claims
June 18 (Reuters) - (Billable Hours is Reuters' weekly report on lawyers and money. Please send tips or suggestions to opens new tab) A fight over the power of outside funders to influence lawsuits is unfolding in Chicago federal court, where leading litigation financier Burford Capital fired back this week against allegations that it illegally interfered with efforts to settle chicken price-fixing claims against meat processing giant Tyson Foods. Tyson sued, opens new tab Burford in April, alleging it sought to "co-opt the legal system" by blocking a potential settlement between Tyson and Burford's funding client Sysco in the chicken case in order to press for a larger recovery. Burford asked a court this week to dismiss Tyson's lawsuit, accusing, opens new tab the company of trying to divert attention away from the underlying price-fixing claims. Litigation funders provide financial support to clients in exchange for a part of any settlement or other judgment. Burford is the world's largest litigation finance provider. The clash is part of a broader, long-running litigation accusing Tyson and other meat processors of price-fixing in a variety of meat industries. Some of the cases have generated tens of millions of dollars or more in settlements. Tyson has denied any wrongdoing. Burford has spent $140 million since 2019 backing antitrust claims by food distributor Sysco against Tyson and other meat processors, court documents show. Sysco's contract with Burford allowed the funder to participate in some of Sysco's settlement discussions, Burford said in court papers. In 2023, Burford successfully blocked Sysco from settling with a different defendant in the price-fixing litigation for an amount that the funder thought was too low. Sysco is no longer a party in the case, after transferring its litigation rights to a Burford affiliate called Carina Ventures. Burford and Sysco declined to comment, and Tyson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Burford in its filing this week denied it had interfered with Sysco's settlement plans and called Tyson's claims 'threadbare' and 'rank speculation.' Burford said it was Tyson that declined Sysco's last settlement offer in late 2021. – U.S. Senate Republicans on Monday included a provision in proposed changes to President Donald Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill that would raise the tax third-party litigation funders pay on litigation proceeds to nearly 41%. Republican Senator Thom Tillis in a May statement introducing the bill said the legislation would curb "abusive practices" and promote transparency in the industry. Paul Kong, executive director of the International Legal Finance Association, a trade group for commercial litigation funders, in a statement said the tax would undermine access to justice by placing "significant barriers in front of small businesses, inventors, startups, and other less well-resourced claimants seeking redress." – Houston-based law firm Jackson Walker has been hit with another civil lawsuit, opens new tab over its failure to disclose a romantic relationship between one of its partners and former U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David Jones. Bondholders of financial services company GWG filed the lawsuit in Houston federal court last week, accusing Jackson Walker, former firm partner Elizabeth Freeman, and Jones of deceiving them and the public by keeping the romance hidden "and taking millions from distressed entities for their own benefit." The bondholders' lawyers at the Bandas Law Firm have brought two previous cases against Jackson Walker on behalf of shareholders who said their investments in certain companies were wiped out in bankruptcy cases where Jones was involved before he resigned from the bench in October 2023. One lawsuit, filed by Morton Bouchard, is still pending. A federal judge last year dismissed a similar lawsuit brought by Michael Van Deelen, who first brought Jones' relationship with Freeman to light. Mikell West, a lawyer at the Bandas Law Firm, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Jackson Walker and a lawyer for Freeman both declined to comment. Attorneys for Jones and a spokesperson for Porter Hedges, a Houston-based law firm that was also named in the GWG investors' complaint, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. – U.S. District Judge John Tunheim in Minnesota has awarded $23 million in legal fees to plaintiffs firm Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight for its work on a $69 million class action settlement involving the UnitedHealth Group. Lawyers for the plaintiffs in a court filing, opens new tab this month called the $69 million deal the "largest-ever ERISA settlement alleging breach of fiduciary duty for failure to remove underperforming investment options." The plaintiffs' teams said they dedicated more than 12,800 hours on the litigation, which focused on participants who were invested in a certain Wells Fargo fund. UnitedHealth denied any wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the litigation, which began in 2021. Kirkland represented UnitedHealth. Read more: Oregon contract shows law firms' stake in Coinbase securities fight Madison Square Garden wants sanctions, lawyers' fees in ex-NBA player's case Wegovy maker Novo faces fee demand after losing copycat drug lawsuit
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sysco's One Planet One Table Helps Choose a Better Future for Food During Earth Month
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / June 5, 2025 / Originally published on April 22nd, 2025 on LinkedIn A better brew for a better world! Our Rainforest Alliance Certified 100% Colombian coffee, part of Sysco's One Planet. One Table. assortment, supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability-so you can sip with purpose. With over 3,500 items across 15 categories, One Planet. One Table. is leading the way in sustainable foodservice. When you choose Sysco, you choose a better future for food. Happy Earth Day! About Sysco Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 76,000 colleagues, the company operates 340 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 730,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2024 that ended June 29, 2024, the company generated sales of more than $78 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco's 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at For more information, visit or connect with Sysco on Facebook at For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company's Internet home page at which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Sysco Corporation on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Sysco CorporationWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Sysco Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
