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Home » AI in Distribution » US Foods Expands AI Ordering and Reshapes Sales Model in Digital Push

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  • Published on: February 12, 2026

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  • Picture of Distribution Strategy Group Distribution Strategy Group

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AI in Distribution

US Foods Expands AI Ordering and Reshapes Sales Model in Digital Push

US Foods Holding Corp. is deepening its investment in artificial intelligence and digital tools, rolling out new AI-driven ordering capabilities while overhauling its sales compensation model and expanding rapid-delivery services as part of a broader effort to drive growth and efficiency.

On its fourth-quarter earnings call, executives said the company added a new feature to its MOXē digital platform that allows customers and sales representatives to upload photos, PDFs and even handwritten notes and convert them directly into orders. The capability is designed to reduce manual entry, speed transactions and simplify reordering for independent restaurants and other customers.

CEO Dave Flitman said the embedded AI tools are intended to make it easier for customers to do business with US Foods while freeing sales representatives to focus on prospecting and account growth rather than administrative work.

The AI ordering tool is one piece of broader technology and productivity push.

US Foods said it completed deployment of Descartes routing software across its distribution network in 2025, resulting in about a 2% improvement in cases per mile in its broadline delivery business compared with the prior year. Management said further productivity gains are expected as the system matures.

The company is also nearing completion of its rollout of the US Foods Market Operating System, or UMOS, which standardizes processes and roles across distribution centers. Executives said the system is about 80% implemented and is expected to be fully deployed in key markets by mid-2026.

In addition, US Foods continues to expand Pronto, its small-truck delivery service designed for faster replenishment. The company said Pronto generated more than $1 billion in sales in 2025 and is now operating in 46 markets, with additional launches planned this year. A related next-day service is active in 24 markets.

Sales Compensation Shift Underway

US Foods is also beginning a multi-year transition to a 100% variable commission structure for its local sales force. The new plan is scheduled to launch midyear and will be phased in over two to three years for most sellers.

Executives said the change is designed to better align incentives with growth and margin objectives and combined with digital self-service tools, could increase seller productivity over time.

Flitman said the company does not expect disruption from the transition and described early feedback from pilot markets as positive.

Financial Performance

US Foods reported fourth-quarter net sales of $9.8 billion, up 3.3% from a year earlier. Net income rose to $184 million in the quarter.

For the full fiscal year, net sales increased 4.1% to $39.4 billion, while net income climbed 36.8% to $676 million.

The company projected 4% to 6% sales growth in fiscal 2026 and 18% to 24% growth in adjusted diluted earnings per share. Management said fiscal 2026 includes a 53rd week, which is expected to add 1% to case and earnings growth.

US Foods continues to emphasize independent restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality as their core growth segments, citing ongoing market share gains.

Executives said technology — particularly embedded AI within MOXē — is central to that strategy. The company argues that simplifying ordering, improving search and automating repetitive tasks can deepen customer relationships and drive higher order volumes over time.

At the same time, US Foods is pairing its digital upgrades with supply chain and cost initiatives, including routing optimization, inventory management improvements and expanded private-label penetration.

Flitman described the effort as part of a continuous improvement strategy aimed at sustaining double-digit earnings growth beyond the company’s current long-range plan.

In a fragmented food service distribution market, US Foods is betting that combining AI-enabled ordering, operational discipline and incentive realignment will translate into durable share gains and stronger margins — even in a volatile macro environment.

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