LAKELAND, FL - 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 in the recent release. “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/.

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO - Chef, entrepreneur Emmy Award-winning executive producer and television personality Matty Matheson will be the lead spokesperson for the Mushroom Council’s 2026 consumer campaign, It’s Not Magic. It’s Mushrooms. Known for his boisterous style and refreshingly practical approach to cooking, Matheson brings credibility with Gen Z and Millennial audiences that want food that’s easy to make, tastes great and delivers more in every bite.

Launching this month, the campaign serves up high-impact ads, crave-worthy recipes, and influencer storytelling to inspire more frequent mushroom cooking, from quick breakfasts and snacks to comforting, flavor-packed dinners that elevate everyday staples. Anchored by Matheson’s bold, approachable style, the effort meets younger consumers where they discover food today. More than one-third of shoppers discover new produce online (FMI’s Power of Produce 2025), which underscores how mushrooms and Matheson are a natural fit for Millennials and Gen Zs seeking big flavor, convenience and functional food that does more.

“Mushrooms are one of those ingredients that add magic to every dish they’re in,” Matheson said in the recent release. “They have a simple way of taking meals to the next level without asking you to learn fancy techniques. You throw them in, the dish gets better and you keep moving. There are no tricks and no fuss, just great flavor. What’s not to love?”

As part of the collaboration, Matheson has created three recipes designed to inspire everyday mushroom cooking, including:

• Matty’s Crunchy Popcorn Mushrooms — Bite-sized, golden and packed with flavor, these crispy mushrooms are the snack you can’t stop eating. Perfectly seasoned, seriously crunchy and totally addictive. Launches 1/25/26.
• Matty’s Spicy Mushroom Noodles — Slurp, savor, repeat. This dish is loaded with spicy, umami-rich mushrooms for heat, depth and bold flavor in every bite. Launches 2/22/26.
• Matty’s Cheesy Mushroom Breakfast Burrito — Chili-spiked mushrooms bring big, savory flavor alongside cheesy beans, runny eggs and zippy green salsa, absolutely worth rolling out of bed for. Launches 3/8/26.

Each recipe is featured on an episode of Matheson’s YouTube show "Cookin’ Somethin’,” showing how easy it is to incorporate mushrooms into everyday cooking, and elevating dishes to become more flavorful and satisfying.

“Matty doesn’t overcomplicate food, and neither do mushrooms,” said Amy Wood, president of the Mushroom Council, in the recent release. “His no-nonsense style mirrors the way people actually cook at home. Together, we’re showing that mushrooms aren’t a trend, but an easy, everyday ingredient that brings big flavor, fits seamlessly into real life and offers functional benefits about which people care. It’s about making meals feel satisfying, approachable and worth repeating.”

While flavor leads the way, the campaign also highlights mushrooms’ functional benefits – including their role in supporting cognitive health, helping connect flavor with feel-good nutrition in a way that resonates with the next generation of cooks.

Looking ahead, the campaign sets the tone for how the Mushroom Council will continue engaging the next generation of shoppers: through craveable food content, authentic voices and simple inspiration that makes mushrooms an easy, flavorful habit worth repeating.

For more information about the campaign, visit mushroomcouncil.com/itsnotmagic.

SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion opened its first store in the greater Pontiac, S.C., area on Jan. 21, bringing fresh, affordable and convenient shopping options to neighbors at 10508 Two Notch Road in Elgin, S.C. Demonstrating Food Lion’s commitment to listening to customers and meeting their needs at convenient locations, the new store offers pickup and home delivery options along with a wide selection of fresh, high-quality foods and affordable private brand products.

Opening the Pontiac store is part of Food Lion’s continued growth and investment across its footprint that also strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and reduces food insecurity. As the brand looks ahead to 2026, Food Lion plans additional new store openings and remodels, building on strong performance and its commitment to fresh food at affordable prices.

The store features a CO₂ refrigeration system that is better for the environment and is designed to make shopping easy and enjoyable. Customers will experience an easy-to-shop layout, expanded assortment, pickup and home delivery through the Food Lion To Go website or app, as well as a modern décor, all of which is inspired by their feedback. From fresh produce and quality meats to ready-to-eat meals and everyday essentials, the new Food Lion is built to help families nourish their households with confidence and value.

“We’re excited to open Food Lion’s first store in Pontiac and begin serving this community,” said Isaac Smalls, Store Manager of the new Pontiac Food Lion, in the recent release. “Having been part of Food Lion and the local community for 18 years, it means a great deal to my team and me to serve our neighbors with fresh food, affordable prices, and friendly service. We’re proud to be here and look forward to building strong, lasting connections for years to come.”

Grand Opening Celebration on Jan. 21

The new store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:45 a.m. Afterward, the first 100 customers in line received a mystery gift card valued up to $200 and a free reusable shopping bag. The store will be open daily from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. Learn more about specific services the store offers and the weekly ad flyer.

Good things are in-store for neighbors

The new Pontiac, S.C., Food Lion offers:

• A wide assortment of products, including ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook and ready-to-heat meal solutions; fresh produce; quality meats; and a variety of organic, gluten-free and plant-based items.
• A walk-in garden cooler, ensuring the freshest produce available, in-store prepared cut fruit, freshly made sushi and a self-service wing and hot favorites bar.
• Convenience and choices for shoppers by providing Food Lion To Go Pickup and/or Home Delivery options. Online orders may be placed on the Food Lion To Go website or through the app. The convenient service allows customers to place an order with the click of a button while experiencing the same low prices and fresh food items they receive in the store.
• Self-checkout lanes alongside traditional cashier-assisted checkout for a more efficient and flexible shopping experience.
• Nature’s Promise®, Food Lion’s affordable brand offering organic options alongside a variety of wholesome products made without artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors.
• Through its Local Goodness program, Food Lion stores offer a wide variety of regional items sourced from local growers or manufacturers who provide products that are the heart and soul of the community. A list of additional South Carolina-based suppliers that may be featured in the store can be found online.

See the full release here.