Restaurant demand puts US Food 3Q sales up slightly

ROSEMONT - US Foods Holding Corp. said third quarter net sales increased slightly as the food service distributor strong growth from demand by independent restaurants.

Net sales for the quarter were $5.8 billion, the company reported, an increase of 0.8 percent over the same period last year. The company said acquisitions over the past year boosted sales 1.5 percent, but were offset by deflation, particularly in beef and dairy, and product mix changes in the quarter.

"Our third quarter results reflected strong performance in many areas, including volume growth and improved profitability," said President and CEO Pietro Satriano. "Top line momentum and margin expansion, despite deflationary pressures, continue to demonstrate that our Great Food. Made Easy. strategy is resonating with independent restaurants and other customers."

Independent restaurant case volume grew 5.5 percent from the prior year, the company reported, with acquisitions contributing 200 basis points. Total case volume increased 4 percent over last year's third quarter. Strong growth with independent restaurants and other broad-based customer wins, the wrap of planned national chain exits, and the onboarding of new customers positively affected the total case volume.