Foodservice distributor Sysco Corp. (NYSE: SYY), Houston, TX, reported sales in the third quarter fiscal 2012 were $10.5 billion, an increase of 7.6 percent from the prior-year period.

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Food cost inflation, as measured by the estimated change in Sysco’s product costs, was 5.5 percent. Sysco reported that the rate of inflation has eased but remains at a high level, with double-digit increases in the meat and poultry categories. Sales from acquisitions within the last 12 months increased sales by 0.7 percent.

Profit for the quarter was $260 million.

Year-to-date, sales were $31.3 billion, up 8.4 percent. Food cost inflation for the period was 6.3 percent. Sales from acquisitions increased sales by 0.7 percent. Profit for the first nine months was $812 million.