HOUSTON, TX - New opportunities are opening up for the supply-side as Sysco solidifies five new partnerships to enhance its supplier diversity initiatives. The distributor announced it has aligned with Disability:IN, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, National Veteran-Owned Business Association, The National Minority Supplier Development Council, and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council to facilitate relationships with diverse new suppliers.

“As a leader in the foodservice industry, these new partnerships will help Sysco develop future diverse suppliers critical to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” said Judy Sansone, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “It’s important that every aspect of our business, including our supply chain, reflects the changing demographics of the communities where we work and live.”

By optimizing these unique alliances, Sysco will have direct access to a certified diverse business database to identify and engage qualified suppliers in procurement opportunities, according to a press release.

Through these partnerships, the distributor looks to advance the success of businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans. The new partnerships will present a multitude of benefits to diverse suppliers, including:

• Education, training, and development opportunities
• Mentorship on requests for information, proposal, and pre-qualification best practices
• Opportunities to identify and establish long-term supplier relationships with corporations
• Invitations to participate in qualified corporate member projects

Through its innovative supplier diversity strategies, Sysco aims to identify, develop, and expand certified diverse suppliers’ reach to meet customers’ business needs and provide them with unique competitive advantages.

As more companies roll out new blueprints to bolster their supplier network, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

Sysco