Sysco Corp

Lobbying Transparency and Governance

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Direct Lobbying Transparency
Overall Assessment Comment Score
Moderate Sysco names the specific climate policies it has engaged on—zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) incentive programs and ZEV infrastructure programs—and notes it “regularly interacts with policymakers to inform the creation of ZEV incentive programs.” It also articulates the outcomes it seeks, such as advocating for carve-out exceptions in state ZEV incentive schemes to remove older vehicles and supporting the roll-out of ZEV infrastructure programs. At the same time, Sysco’s descriptions of its direct lobbying, trade-association engagement, and reported U.S. lobbying expenditures do not include details on whether letters, meetings, or formal consultations were used, nor does it specify the individual government bodies or officials targeted. This combination of clear policy names and goals with limited procedural details demonstrates a moderate level of transparency in its climate lobbying disclosures. 2
Lobbying Governance
Overall Assessment Comment Score
Moderate Sysco has implemented a moderate governance process to oversee the alignment of its lobbying activities with its climate-change strategy. "At Sysco, the Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for Sustainability, Government Relations, Investor Relations and Communications," and "Ensuring that the company’s direct and indirect activities that influence policy are consistent with overall climate change strategy is fostered through the company’s existing organizational structure as well as routine and ongoing meetings among the leadership of the Corporate Affairs group, including Sustainability, Government Relations, Investor Relations, and Communications." Moreover, "Sysco’s public policy priorities and activities are reviewed regularly with senior management and with the Board of Directors," indicating high-level oversight. The company also details its indirect lobbying through trade associations, noting that "we will not always agree with every position these organizations take, but we have found that providing our input — for or against a particular position — is a constructive way to influence policy outcomes." However, the company does not disclose a formal process for evaluating or exiting trade associations whose climate-related positions may conflict with its commitments, nor does it publish a dedicated climate-lobbying audit or detailed criteria for aligning lobbying positions with its climate objectives. As such, while key roles and recurring reviews are in place, the mechanisms for actively assessing and enforcing alignment—particularly regarding indirect lobbying through industry bodies—are not fully detailed. 2