Publix has been recognized on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for 2026, marking the 31st consecutive year the Lakeland, Florida-based grocer has received the honor since 1996.
The list acknowledges companies that prioritize employees’ well-being, community engagement and sustainability efforts, as well as 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 Maria Brous, director of communications. “We’re honored to be recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s most admired companies.”
Associate investment, career development
The company values taking care of employees 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 employees and supporting their long-term growth.
Community impact through hunger relief
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 employees 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.
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.
Employees also have the opportunity to serve their communities during two Publix Serves Weeks each year – one focused on hunger and the other on sustainability.
Environmental stewardship initiatives
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 use 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.
[RELATED: Publix Supports Coral Restoration Through Good Together Campaign]
Ranking methodology
Placement on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list is 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.
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, operates 1,431 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.