Solae, Kellogg’s and Whole Foods Market Feature on “World’s Most Ethical Companies” List

Ethisphere evaluates hundreds of companies, naming only those that surpass their industry peers to the “World's Most Ethical Companies” list. This is the sixth year Ethisphere has published the WME rankings. The 2012 list features companies in more than three dozen industries.

19 March 2012 --- Solae, Kellogg’s and Whole Foods Market have all made the World’s Most Ethical Companies list for 2012.

Ethisphere evaluates hundreds of companies, naming only those that surpass their industry peers to the “World's Most Ethical Companies” list. This is the sixth year Ethisphere has published the WME rankings. The 2012 list features companies in more than three dozen industries.

The honorees for the sixth annual award were selected by Ethisphere through in-depth research and a multi-step analysis conducted of nominated companies from more than 100 countries and 36 industries. The selection process included reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers.

“It is a significant honor for Solae to be recognized as one of the ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Highest ethical behavior is one of our four core values, and it is critical to the success of our company and our customers,” said Cornel Fuerer, vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Solae. “As the world’s leader in soy-based ingredients, we strive to provide solutions to help feed a growing global population with nutritious, sustainable and affordable ingredients. It is our responsibility to ensure that our ingredients are safe and of high-quality. To achieve this, integrity must be at the core of everything we do.”

"We are honored to be among the companies awarded with the World's Most Ethical Companies distinction for 2012," said John Bryant, president and CEO, Kellogg Company. "The award is a testament to the caliber of our employees and their dedication to being corporate leaders in business ethics and social responsibility. The legacy of strong ethics and corporate responsibility that began with our founder W.K. Kellogg more than 100 years ago continues to guide our company today and is embodied by our K Values, which shape our culture and guide the way we run our business."

"Each year the competition for World's Most Ethical Companies intensifies as the number of nominations submitted for consideration grows," said Alex Brigham, Executive Director of Ethisphere. "This year's winners know that a strong ethics program is a key component to a successful business model, and they continue to scrutinize their ethical standards to keep up with an ever-changing regulatory environment."

“Whole Foods Market is honored to be recognized as a company with a conscience,” said John Mackey, co-CEO and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. “Our core values are at the center of the business philosophy that drives Whole Foods Market’s unique culture, growth and success. That success comes from making sure all our stakeholders – Team Members, customers, suppliers, shareholders, our communities and the environment– are part of our vision.”

Source: The “World’s Most Ethical Companies” list is published in the current issue of the quarterly magazine Ethisphere and is available at http://ethisphere.com/ethisphere-institute-unveils-2012-worlds-most-ethical-companies/