Publix Has Been Named on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies List for 2026

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Publix has been recognized on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list. The company has been named on this list annually since 1996, marking the 31st consecutive year of earning this honor. This list acknowledges companies that make it a priority to commit to associates’ well-being, community engagement, sustainability efforts and being a great place to work, among other criteria.

“At Publix, we pride ourselves on the culture we’ve built and continue to uphold, where we care for and respect our associates and support our communities,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous. “We’re honored to be recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s most admired companies.”

Associates

The company values taking care of its associates by prioritizing their financial, physical and mental health, as well as fostering social connections and career growth. From company ownership to a promote-from-within culture, Publix is committed to empowering its associates and supporting their long-term growth.

Communities

Helping to end hunger and strengthen sustainability initiatives is at the heart of the company’s community involvement. Twice a year during its Good Together hunger campaigns, Publix invites its customers and associates to donate at the register to provide nonperishable food items and fresh produce to local food banks and pantries. Publix further supports each campaign by donating $5 million in fresh produce to Feeding America partner food banks.

Additionally, the company donates food from its stores’ deli, grocery, meat and produce departments that is no longer salable but safe for consumption to Feeding America partner food banks and their partner agencies. Publix has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food through its Good Together food donation program since its inception in 2009.

Associates also have the opportunity to serve their local communities during two Publix Serves Weeks each year — one focused on hunger and the other on sustainability.

Sustainability

Publix is committed to sustainability and being a good steward of the environment. Efforts include donating millions toward restoring water in the Florida Everglades, tree plantings to support reforestation efforts in the Southeast, and supporting coral reef restoration and marine debris removal in Florida.

The company also works to streamline operations through improving fuel usage in transportation, managing an expansive recycling program, and making stores and support locations more energy efficient. Publix also offers customers sustainably and responsibly sourced seafood options.

Methodology

Placement on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list is earned based on responses from thousands of professionals within each industry. Companies are rated on nine different criteria, including social responsibility, quality of products and services, and the ability to attract talented people. To read more about the company’s ranking and see the full list, visit fortune.com/ranking/worlds-most-admired-companies/2026/.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, currently operates 1,431 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 28 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.