FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SYSCO BRAND PKG DEVELOPMENT

Q/What fast track packaging resources are available in the marketing department to imitate packaging in the U.S. and in Canada?

• In January of 2002 SYSCO Corporation selected Southern Graphic Systems, Inc. (SGS) as its preferred supplier of prepress packaging production (USA and Canada).

• SGS’s services include design, pre-press art preparation and printing plate

development for both corrugated and interior primary packaging.

• To meet your Packaging needs with new SYSCO brand for products and packaging re-orders (US & Canadian distribution) advise your packaging converter to contact Sysco’s Packaging Resources.

Go to “http://www.sysco.com/” website, click on the “Suppliers” link then click on the “Packaging Resources” link. (FY July 05)

• The Southern Graphic Systems team is posted onsite at Sysco corporate , as well as in Dallas, Minneapolis MN, McBee South Carolina, Richmond, VA, and in Toronto, Ontario Canada.

• SGS is prepared to develop your Sysco Brand packaging and expedite the approval process through the Sysco corporate office.

• SGS can also develop new designs based on new and approved brands and carry

them through the Sysco packaging approval process for your suppliers

• Southern Graphic Systems is very familiar with Sysco packaging specifications including Canadian compliance and can expedite packaging development and packaging updates through the SYSCO on-site coordination services.

• Their experience in the industry, plant capacity, and position in the Canadian

Market will allow rapid and streamlined, yet efficient development of Canadian Sysco Brand Packaging development. You can go to Sysco’s website to get more information. You can access this website by going http://www.sysco.com/.

(FY July 05) Q/Does Southern Graphic Systems work with any type of printer?

• Yes. SGS specializes in generating packaging graphics for the offset, Flexo and Roto Gravure printing industry. They are industry leaders in packaging design and prepress.

Q/How do I initiate packaging development for my supplier?

• The Sysco website contains packaging resources and instructions and is currently being updated to include more packaging information and resources including a link to the automated packaging workflow “PAC” which will be operational very soon. You can access this website by going http://www.sysco.com/

(FY July 05).

• The most efficient method is to instruct your supplier to contact the Sysco onsite packaging coordinator of Southern Graphics or contact the Southern graphics office in Dallas to initiate packaging development. There is also a SGS Canadian team located in Toronto for Canadian Packaging Development.

The packaging department can initiate the packaging process and also meet with you to expedite packaging development.

• Contact information can also be by going http://www.sysco.com/ (FY July 05). As technology and resources have evolved, however, there are some progressive methods available to initiate packaging development. The Sysco packaging website will soon feature these resources and is currently being updated to include more packaging information and resources. Q/What do I do first?

• Gather the following information in order to prepare for packaging development: 1. The name(s) and phone number(s) of your printer(s) 2. A list of the SYSCO Universal Product Codes (SUPC) needing packaging. 3. A copy of any special graphics you require on the packaging (i.e.;

handling instructions, ingredients, nutrition facts, etc.) 4. A copy of the packaging structure layout 5. A sample of the existing packaging

Q/When can I start SYSCO packaging development?

• There are a few things that must be completed first: 1) SYSCO QA must approve you. 2) Product codes, product descriptions, product information, kosher

approval, legal issues, SYSCO Universal Vendor Code (SUVC) must be assigned by the appropriate SYSCO Business Center.

3) Product specifications must be in place in the SYSCO QA Data base 4) The SYSCO QA Specification Database fee must be paid and current. 5) Choose a packaging Resource 6) Develop and Submit artwork to Sysco.

Q/Is there a centralized point or site the supplier or I can go to via the intranet or Internet to initiate packaging development?

• A web-based workflow or “PAC” system (Packaging and Artwork Collaboration management System), which will allow the approved supplier, QA, BSCC, Marketing, legal and Packaging department to review, make comments via the World Wide Web is currently in development by our Packaging alliance and resource Southern Graphics and will be available beginning July 2004. The “PAC” system will roll out PAC” in three phases beginning with Sysco Corporate.

• The workflow will include customized software developed specifically for Sysco’s

packaging development process and is the results of a two-year project involving the Sysco Packaging department and Southern Graphic Systems. The Sysco packaging website will soon feature these resources and is currently being updated to include more packaging information and resources. You can access this website by going http://www.sysco.com/.

• Two of the most exciting features of “PAC” are e-mail alerts for QA and BSCC

on: 1) Artwork initiation, review and approval and 2) “At a Glance” view of project status by supplier, business center or product.

• In the mean time we have information on a link to Sysco.com, which gives your

supplier access to packaging development resources and contacts. Click on the “Suppliers” link then click on the “Packaging” link (FY July 05).

Q/How can I find the status of my project?

• Any one in the packaging Department can give you and update on your packaging status. As technology and resources have evolved, however, there are some progressive methods available to initiate packaging development and obtain status.

• Our most recent effort in this area however is the development of the web-

based workflow or “PAC” system (Packaging and Artwork Collaboration management System), which will allow the approved supplier, QA, BSCC, Marketing, legal and Packaging department to review, make comments via the world wide web. The “PAC” system will be rolled out in three phases and will include Sysco Corporate Sysco Suppliers and Packaging companies and converters.

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• We hope to have many of the Top 100 Sysco Suppliers as participants. Please

contact the Sysco Packaging Department if you would like to participate or go to sysco.com (FY 05).

Q/What is an “Item Inquiry Sheet”

• The Item Inquiry Sheet is produced by the appropriate SYSCO BusinessCenter. Each sheet contains exact product specification information about a product. This informa ion is used to create accurate packaging graphics.

Q/What phase of product development does my supplier need to be in before packaging development can begin?

• In order to develop packaging: the supplier must be approved by Sysco QA and codes, product descriptions, product information, kosher approval and legal issues must be resolved. The SUVC # number must be assigned and or in process.

• The Product specifications must be in place with the QA Data base and they

must be correct. The QA supplier fee must also be current and up to date.

• The supplier must also be aware of special packaging needs in the area of unique packaging structures. (If required)

• In a simple message, the information and packaging initiatives must be clear

concise to obtain efficient and timely turnaround in the packaging development process.

Q/What will be checked in the packaging development and review process and what am I responsible for checking and signing off on?

• The Packaging Department will check for consistent graphics, colors, position and Sysco requirements according to the brand as well as label and barcode compliance, they will also check for compliance with logo registrations and consistency.

• The QA department will check for correct product information, correct

ingredients, nutrition information, product specification compliance, product claims,Trans-Fat and regulatory compliance etc .

• BSCC or individual product groups are responsible for the product approval,

specific product information (General and specific), kosher compliance, codes, suvc#, special product burst/industry claims. Special Packaging requests for unique structures,

• The Marketing department will review legal issues concerning co brands or

Co- licensing, new Sysco brand approvals and brand positioning.

• The final review and results is summarized and forwarded to the supplier by Packaging department and they function as the hub or control point for the packaging development process.

Q/What tips can you give me that will allow efficient development of packaging?

• Gather complete and concise information concerning your packaging needs and initiate by contacting the packaging department or instruct your supplier to Contact Southern Graphics with that information and be prepared to follow the process. Direct your suppliers to Southern Graphics to ensure they receive professional packaging development in compliance with our requirements.

Incomplete information will result in a fragmented and delayed packaging development process. Q/What key elements of the product should be resolved and relayed to the supplier by BSCC in packaging development process

• Correct product information (General and specific), kosher requirements, codes, suvc#, special product burst industry claims QA compliance information. Special Packaging requirement for unique structures, legal approvals and special brand approval.

Q/Who dictates the size and structure of box?

• The structure should e determined very early in the product approval process. If the structure is customized, it must be determined and communicated very early in the packaging development process. As technology and resources have evolved, however, there are some progressive methods that will be available for more efficient and reliable structural packaging specifications. The Sysco packaging website will soon feature these resources and is currently being updated to include more packaging information and resources. You can access this website by going http://www.sysco.com/ (FY July 05).

Q/What determines the need for internal packaging with Sysco graphics and internal codes, nutrition, Etc. Products that are splittable meaning those that could be resold individually determine the requirement for Internal Sysco Graphics, upc codes and nutrition information. There are some exceptions such as Block and Barrel Hams and Meat products that require graphics nutrition etc but require no UPC symbols and are not considered spittable. Q/What codes are needed to initiate packaging?

• SUPC# - SYSCO PRODUCT NUMBER • SUVC# - SYSCO VENDOR NUMBER • UPC -A# - SYCO INTERAL BARCODE • GTIN – SYSCO EXTERNAL BARCODE

Q/How long will it take to get packaging produced?

• Once all information is gathered, packaging artwork can be generated in less than a week depending on your resources. Packaging artwork approvals require from one to four weeks, printing plates take about four days to make.

Q/How do I take a new brand from concept to logo development and finally packaging development? And what are the lead times.

• Obtaining a brand concept can be a lengthy process and depends on the urgency and scope. The Marketing department and the legal department must coordinate this. Sysco Logo development and packaging design are two separate phases that will follow approval of new brands and must be initiated and developed through the Packaging department.

• Logo development can be handled with or without a budget with both scenarios

requiring certain procedures for the suppliers in the Packaging Design and production phase. The logo development phase can last three to six weeks and packaging design can be accelerated into the production phase by directing your suppliers the Southern Graphic Systems prepress services. “http://www.sysco.com/”

• The entire Brand approval, Logo Development and packaging design process can

vary and averages 60 days depending on the priority and scope. Actualproduction artwork development can take 3- 5 days provided all of the above has been completed. The following Lead times are standard manufacturing lead-times and is the final phase of packaging development.

1. Boxes – 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 5 working Days for production

2. Labels - 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 5 working Days for production

3. Film - 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to 6 weeks for production 4. Roll Stock Film - 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to 6 weeks for

production 5. Wax Cartons - 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to 6 weeks for

production 6. Aseptic - 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to 6 weeks for

production 7. Poly Bags / Foil Pouches 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to 6

weeks for productions 8. Litho Cans - 5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to 6 weeks for

production 9. Printed lids, Tubs, Buckets -5 to 20 working Days/Sysco review + 4 to

6 weeks for production 10. Folding Cartons -5 to 15 working Days/Sysco review + 4 weeks for

production

11. Add 15- 30 days for all international packaging development

Q/Will I see the artwork before it proceeds to plate production?

• When the supplier utilizes Sysco Packaging Resources this process becomes automatic before it enters SYSCO’s the Artwork Review process begins. This ensures that all graphic elements requested and required by the Supplier are present and correct. Once this is completed and signed off by the Supplier, SGS submits the artwork for Formal Review. Soon this process will be simultaneous with the new “PAC” System workflow. http://www.sysco.com/” In the Meantime if you choose other resources, it is the suppliers responsibility to see the artwork developed by their designated packaging company. Usage of the “PAC” system will triggers an automatic viewing the artwork.

Q/How does the packaging initiation and development process including review and approval process differ for Sysco Canadian brand packaging development?

• There are definitely specification differences, however the initiation and review process is very similar with the exception that Sysco Toronto is included in the review process along with translation proofing for French. The country of origin and direction of distribution for Canadian products is very important in the packaging process. The packaging development process can’t move forward without that information.

• The packaging specifications for Food and Non-Food items is much different

and due to Canadian nutrition and claim requirements. Food and Non-Food items will require separate packaging for both the USA and Canada and separate codes.

Q/What is the SYSCO QA database and who do I contact for information about how to input data?

• The SYSCO QA database contains pertinent product information along with ingredients and nutrition data. Contact the Sysco QA Department for more instructions. Your SYSCO Merchandiser can provide you with contact information about who to call when you are having trouble entering data into the database. It is the Suppliers responsibility to enter all data for all products destined for Packaging Development.

Q/What departments see the artwork and approve it in the internal review?

• The internal SYSCO Formal Review Process starts with the Packaging & Labeling Department. This department forwards the artwork to the SYSCO Business Center Contact and Quality Assurance. If the product is a new “brand”, the artwork will also be sent to the SYSCO Marketing department for review.

Q/What are the steps to create a co-brand and or an exclusive brand? agreement between Sysco and the supplier?

• The brand must have approval from BSCC, the Marketing department, Senior Staff and the legal approval.

Q/What other Marketing services should I consider in the packaging development process.

• The entire Marketing Services team on the fourth floor can assist you in developing support material and point of sale with creative content at a competitive price. For more information contact the Marketing Services Department at 281-584-2809.

Q/Who are the contacts for packaging development and the related services for marketing support and where are the located in the bldg?

• The contacts for packaging development or Phillip Orosco, John Tatum,Augusta Flournoy and Kathy Johnston/Onsite SGS coordinator. There is also a weekly onsite SGS account representative available to assist the BSCC in packaging development and design. More information is on http://www.sysco.com/

(FY July 05)

Q/What Packaging Design Requirements and or considerations should I be aware of when developing Packaging for new Sysco Brand packaging? The Sysco packaging development process has several phases:

1. Trademark/Legal 2. Marketing Alignment Preparation 3. Budget Availability 4. Logo Design, Specification And Color Development 5. Substrate Analysis 6. Packaging Design And Specification Development 7. Packaging Production Artwork Development And Approval 8. Packaging Layout Design 9. Packaging Manuals 10. Archiving Of Files For Packaging Marketing Repurposing 11. Ownership Of Art-Files, Logos And Designs 12. Archiving Of Files

Provided you have all of the necessary production and manufacturing information on a single approved supplier and range of products, you may utilize that job entry as the pivot point, and execute each phase based on that information. Following SYSCO Corporate approval, the established specifications will be documented in accordance with SYSCO packaging archiving requirements. All files must be obtained on approval of the final submittal according to the required specifications. ALL APPROVED DIGITAL PACKAGING FILES AS OUTLINED IN THE REQUIREMENTS ARE PROPERTY OF SYSCO CORPORATION.

Q/How can I pay for my Packaging Design? SYSCO BRAND LOGO DEVELOPMENT AND PACKAGING DESIGN RESOURCES

Each design project has a life of its own based on the customer expectation of the new brand. Each project requires a face – to - face meeting to discover facts on the overall intentions of the customer. These facts are used to generate a quotation. To ensure Sysco Brand consistency, Packaging Design and Packaging Manual Development Services are best developed through Sysco’s preferred Packaging Resources, Southern Graphic Systems. With respect to payment for design services, Sysco Marketing Services offers various options for payment of design services as follows:

1. BSCC can issue a purchase order to SGS Sysco’s Preferred Packaging Development resources) for design services upon approval of quotation.

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2. At the instruction of the BSCC to the Suppliers, the Suppliers can issue a

purchase order to SGS for design services.

3. At the instruction of the BSCC to the Suppliers, the Suppliers will utilize SGS Prepress Services and the cost of the design services payment will be added into the Prepress Services payment

Utilization of these services will ensure consistent packaging development and reduced lead times. Cost avoidance and “speed to market” in the packaging development process is critical to the success of your Sysco Brand product.

Q/What Logo requirements should I be aware of? LOGO REQUIREMENTS & CONSIDERATIONS:

• Number of Colors • Color Correct • Fonts • Graphic/Preflight • Printing issues • PMS conversions • GCMI conversions • Colors • Font • Packaging Formats • Labels • Corrugated • High Impact/Consumer and end User Contact • Interior Back of the house • Point-of-Sale Material • Brandables • Promo Items • Banners • Letter Head

Q/What are the Sysco’s General Packaging Specifications for Sysco Branded corrugated containers?

The following packaging components may vary according packaging structures. Particular packaging formats, and the Sysco Brand or product category can also determine the extent of the required packaging components.

The approved design format will apply accordingly for all products and will meld intoall packaging structures received from the approved suppliers in the manufacturing and production phase.

Differences of course will occur with other product categories wherein the product and structure differ. Subtle differences, for example, an addition of a burst for a claim or statement including nutritional claims may be required on some products.

Other variables may include the manufacturing information from the approved suppliers. Sysco Corrugated Packaging Specifications may require: • Product descriptions, product numbers (SUPC#) and bar codes per Sysco packaging

specifications • Kosher Symbol • Preparation and handling instructions (If applicable) • Ingredients text (If applicable) • Nutrition Facts information (If applicable) • Proportional graphics and correct color formats are required according to the

packaging specifications • The SUVC # (Sysco assigned vendor number) • The Sysco Quality Assured logo • The 35% recyclable logo (If applicable) • Sysco Distribution clause (Domicile Line) • Government Inspection Legend (If applicable) • Graphic Illustrations (Line Art)

Q/What are the General Packaging Specifications for Sysco Branded interior packaging?

The following packaging components may vary according packaging structures. Particular packaging formats, and the Sysco Brand or product category can also determine the extent of the required packaging components. INTERIOR PRIMARY PACKAGING

The approved design format will apply accordingly for all products and will meld intoall packaging structures received from the approved suppliers in the manufacturing and production phase.

Differences of course will occur with other product categories wherein the product and structure differ. Subtle differences, for example, an addition of a burst for a claim or statement including nutritional claims may be required on some products.

Other variables may include the manufacturing information from the approved suppliers. Sysco Interior Packaging Specifications may require: • Product descriptions & Misc. Product information • Preparation information (If Applicable) • Kosher Symbol • Nutrition Facts • Ingredients text (If applicable) • SUPC# - Sysco Code • UPC • Proportional graphics and correct color formats are required according to the

packaging specifications • Sysco Distribution Line/Domicile • The SUVC # (Sysco assigned vendor number) • Government Inspection Legend (If applicable) • Photography/Graphic Illustrations (Line Art)

Q/What types of potential structures and substrate issues should I be aware of?

• Film Substrate, Structure • Background Colors • Interior Labels • Folding Cartons • Cylindrical Paper Labels • Pressure Sensitive Labels

• Bags- Paper, Poly Foil etc • Litho Cans • Printed poly and paper bags • Labels applied to flexible protective packaging and plastic containers • Printed flexible protective packaging • Printed Film • Printed Lids • Printed Poly Bags • Printed Foil• Printed Folding Cartons • Printed Aseptic Packs • Pressure Spot Labels for application to a variety of packaging types

Q/What other technical issues should I be aware of in the Packaging development process?

• PDFs

• Art files

• Color Draw Downs – Primary Packaging

• Color Draw Downs – Corrugated Packaging

• Chromalins

• Bubble Jets

• Color Correct Proofs

• Butt Joints

• Random Repeat

• Registered Film

• Under-layments

• Film Spec (Technical)

• Structure

• Multi-Dimensional Artwork/Structure Fit

• Geometric

Q/ WHAT IS “PAC”

“PAC” is a revolutionary new packaging management tool that, quite simply, will change the way you look at Sysco Brand Packaging development.

“PAC” represents "Packaging Artwork Collaboration," and was developed by SYSCO Packaging and Labeling in a two year project management venture to reduce bottlenecks experienced at all levels of packaging development.

“PAC” functions as a web based resource to streamline the process of packaging development with the Supplier, the Sysco Business Centers, Quality Assurance, the Legal department, Coding & Standards and Marketing.

“PAC” Simplifies:

• Collecting product specific information • Collecting packaging specific information • Gathering printer press information and requirements • Verification of all information prior to artwork development • Artwork review and approval collaboration

Benefits of “PAC” for Sysco Brand Suppliers:

• Speed to Market • Improve Accuracy • Reduce Errors • Minimize Rework • Facilitate Speedy Approvals • Tracks Projects

More importantly, “PAC” eliminates the need for you to collect all the packaging information yourself!

PAC is a state-of-the-art system that uses advanced, "Intelligent Form" technology, combined with a project management engine that drives your packaging through the workflow in the most efficient way possible.

First, you request from Sysco, through “PAC” to start developing packaging for yournew or existing Sysco branded product.

Your Sysco Corporate BSCC product manager confirms product development process is ready for packaging development to begin. The “PAC” system will automatically begin polling packaging development participants to provide product and packaging information.

Email messages will prompt each packaging development participant with a link to return to the “PAC” system and to complete tasks at the appropriate time.

Q/WHAT IS “PAC”

“PAC” will prompt participants to verify information about the product to ensure the packaging development company has the most accurate information available about the product before artwork development begins. In addition, the packaging printers will be polled so that they can provide printing press information.

The purpose of this is to ensure product and packaging information comes directly from each information source and eliminates the need for you to manage all of the information.

“PAC” is constantly monitoring the time it takes to complete tasks, and alerts the participants to complete their task before it gets ignored or forgotten. If a participant does not finish their task in a timely manor, a flag is raised and it escalates to the next participant level responsible to ensure the project receives the attention it deserves.

Q/When and how will “PAC” be launched?

“User Groups” of the “PAC” system will include:

1. Sysco Corporate – BSCC Product Divisions, Packaging, QA, Marketing and Legal 2. Sysco Suppliers and their affiliated packaging providers and converters user

group. – Beginning with Top Producers 3. Packaging Companies, Converters and Printers

PHASE ONE/July 1 – December 2004

The First Phase of “PAC” will include the Sysco Corporate user group in the “Quick Start” launching process of uploading PDF files from the exchange server into “PAC” system when they are submitted by Sysco’s supplier base.

The “Quick Start” is a method is a process to immediately populate the PAC System with incoming PDF files from the supplier base. During the first phase only Sysco Corporate user groups (PKG,MKTG. Services,legal,QA and BSCC (USA & CA) will be brought up the speed with training and processing.

During this phase Sysco’s “Top 100” suppliers will also have an opportunity to test the “PAC” system.

PHASE TWO/Jan 2005 – June 2005

The second phase will include the launching “PACs’ “ complete functionality outside the perimeter of Sysco Corporate. During this phase Sysco’s Supplier base and their affiliated packaging providers and converters will be brought on with training and processing.

PHASE THREE/July 2005

The final phase will bring on all packaging converters and packaging companies both large and small which are affiliated with Sysco Brand packaging Development. This phase will also be dedicated to bringing on users that were not captured in the first two phases.

More information concerning “PAC” will be posted on the Sysco.com. (FY July 05)

In the mean time, however, you may contact the Sysco packaging and Labeling department, if you wish to participate sooner or require more information.