Food Suppliers and Pricing

Since I've only been in the restaurant business for 18 months I'm still trying to get a handle on my costs. I started out buying from Ben E. Keith and due to a problem with my rep I switched to Sysco. Sysco started out saving me money, but has since steadily raised prices.

I've been told that their managers get into the accounts and manipulate the pricing. I confronted my rep about this and he denies that it happens. He just writes it off to rising prices and fuel costs, which maybe true.

Anyone ever had the experience of getting hooked with a company and have them manipulate pricing?

And thank you for this forum.