Bedford –The Pennsylvania Beef Council (PBC) worked with Sysco Philadelphia to provide an opportunity for a group of young South Dakota ranchers to learn about the foodservice distribution process. The group of 20 attendees, from multi-generational ranches, gathered at Sysco on January 24. This visit was part of a tour in the northeast region making stops in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City to learn firsthand about the foodservice industry and the path their beef product makes to the dinner table for families to enjoy.
The young ranchers are enrolled in a program through South Dakota State University called “Beef SD.” The program endeavors to help these beef producers build their business by expanding their knowledge of all aspects of the beef industry. The trip to the northeast is an effort for them to understand their end consumers expectations. Interacting with and understanding their consumers will only benefit them when going back to the ranch to work hard daily to raise the very best beef they can.
Sysco Philadelphia is a large food distributor located in Philadelphia. Their team is made up of approximately 500 people that distribute product within at 65-mile radius. Today, Sysco Corporation has sales and service relationships with approximately 425,000 customers and remains committed to helping them succeed in the foodservice industry to satisfy consumers' appetites. Operating 198 distribution facilities throughout the world.
Bill Pinto, Center of the Plate Specialist, spearheaded the visit that provided an up-close look at how the large distributor successfully meets its customer’s expectations through convenience, competitive pricing, and high-quality products. The day included an insightful presentation by Bill Tubb, President Sysco Philadelphia, a delicious lunch prepared by Sysco’s in-house chefs, a warehouse tour, and concluded with a panel discussion made up of millennial consumers. “What a great experience to hear the story of the ranch and experience the passion of the rancher. It is so inspiring to meet folks from the 2% of the population that feeds our country,” noted Bill Pinto. “It was a day of learning on both sides and connecting two communities that work on behalf of the same product.”
The council appreciates the hospitality of the Sysco Philadelphia leadership team. Understanding each segment of the beef community helps the agricultural community to advocate the farm to plate message.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania Beef Council, visit www.pabeef.org.
Source: The Pennsylvania Beef Council (PBC)
