AUSTIN, Texas (March 6, 2013) – For the fifth time, Whole Foods Market is named to the Ethisphere Institute’s “World’s Most Ethical Companies” list. Through in-depth research and a multi-step analysis, the institute reviewed nominations from companies in more than 100 countries and 36 industries.

“The business practices of Whole Foods Market are based on our core values, such as caring about our communities and our environment,” said Walter Robb, co-CEO. “We’re glad that this ranking reflects our conscious efforts to improve and sustain communities on both a local and global level.”

The methodology for inclusion on this list includes reviewing codes of ethics; 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.

Ethisphere evaluates hundreds of companies, naming only those that surpass their industry peers to the “World's Most Ethical Companies” list. This is the seventh year Ethisphere has published these rankings.

To read more about the 2013 World’s Most Ethical Companies list, visit https://ethisphere.com/wme.