PENNSYLVANIA — As consumers increasingly tie their dollars to their values, a new national survey has revealed which companies Americans believe truly “do the right thing.” Among the top-ranked are three Pennsylvania organizations — The Hershey Company, Wawa, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners — each recognized for integrity, purpose, and community-minded leadership.
The study, conducted by financial media firm MarketBeat, polled 3,012 respondents nationwide to identify corporations viewed as most ethical. The results reflect a shift in consumer priorities, where trust and social responsibility increasingly shape purchasing and investment decisions.
At the top of the list stands The Hershey Company, ranked No. 1 in the nation. Founded more than a century ago by Milton Hershey, the company continues to channel profits into the Milton Hershey School for disadvantaged children and invests in sustainable cocoa sourcing programs around the world. Hershey’s long-standing link between business success and social good earned it recognition as a model for purpose-driven capitalism.
Two other Pennsylvania names joined the roster of admired brands. Wawa, ranked 25th, was commended for its employee ownership model and charitable initiatives through the Wawa Foundation, which supports youth development and community wellness programs. Meanwhile, Harrisburg-based Ben Franklin Technology Partners placed 47th, recognized for promoting sustainable economic growth through grants and mentorship programs that help small businesses innovate responsibly.
“Ethical perception is becoming the new currency of brand loyalty,” said Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat. “People want to believe the companies they support share their values — and they’re rewarding those that prove it.”
The top 10 overall included Hershey, Campbell’s, Burt’s Bees, Ocean Spray, CVS Health, Publix, McCormick, Hallmark, Tillamook, and Buc-ee’s. Each company earned praise for linking profitability with purpose — a reflection of what MarketBeat calls the growing “moral economy.”
For Pennsylvania, the rankings highlight a broader trend: businesses rooted in the state’s tradition of community service and craftsmanship are now setting the national standard for what it means to lead with integrity.
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