Food in plants is transported through a process called translocation, which occurs in the phloem tissue. The phloem transports soluble products of photosynthesis, amino acids, and other substances from leaves to other parts of the plant through sieve tubes with the help of adjacent companion cells.

Unlike xylem transport, translocation requires energy from ATP. Material like sucrose is transferred into phloem using this energy, which increases the osmotic pressure causing water to move into it. This pressure moves the material to tissues which have less pressure.

The transport occurs in both upward and downward directions, delivering food to storage organs (roots, fruits, seeds) and growing organs according to the plant's needs.