For the 12th consecutive year, Starbucks has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute.

Since 2007, Ethisphere has recognized companies who demonstrate achievements in transparency, integrity, business ethics and compliance, and act as drivers to influence positive change in the business community and societies around the world. Companies are evaluated in several categories: reputation, leadership and innovation; ethics and compliance program; governance; corporate citizenship and responsibility; and culture of ethics.

In 2018, only 135 companies were recognized, spanning 23 countries and 57 industries worldwide. Starbucks is one of only 12 companies to have earned the honor all 12 years that Ethisphere has published its rankings. The company is the only honoree in the Specialty Eateries category for 2018, underscoring their commitment to leading ethical business standards and practices.

“This award is a reflection of our partners’ commitment to ethics in all areas of our business and in doing the right thing for our communities and each other. Our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, with ethics and integrity at the forefront, allows us to be a different kind of company,” says Matthew Swaya, Starbucks senior vice president, deputy general counsel and chief ethics and compliance officer. “We are very honored to be recognized for the twelfth consecutive year.”