Image: AFP/Karen Bleier via AFP Relaxnews

Want to support ethical food brands through the power of your purchases? Starbucks and PepsiCo are among seven food companies which were included in the 12th annual World’s Most Ethical Companies report, released this week.

Overall, 135 companies spanning 23 countries and 57 industries made the cut in The Ethisphere Institute’s annual report, which honors companies that use their role to drive positive change and work to maximize their impact wherever possible.

“In 2017, we saw a profound change in the discourse around the world, but as part of that disruption we also saw global companies emerge as society’s leading voice to advance the human condition,” reads a synopsis of the report.

Among the food-related brands to make the cut this year include:

Bimbo Group, Mexico
Illy, Italy
Ingredion, U.S.
Kellogg’s, U.S.
Mars Incorporated, U.S.
PepsiCo, U.S.
Starbucks, U.S.

Brands are evaluated across five categories: ethics and compliance program (35 percent); corporate citizenship and responsibility (20 percent); culture of ethics (20 percent); governance (15 percent); and leadership, innovation and reputation (10 percent).

Brands under PepsiCo’s portfolio include Doritos, Lay’s chips, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Cheetos, Ruffles and Quaker.

Foods under the Mars Incorporated umbrella include Uncle Ben’s, Suzi Wan, Royco, Mars, M&M’s, Snickers, Twix and Skittles.

Kellogg’s has a huge share of the breakfast cereal market, with brands like Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Mini-Wheats, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Rice Krispies.

Bimbo Group owns Sara Lee, Dempster’s and Tenderflake. JB

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