Wellness and food businesses make Fortune's Change the World list

Fortune magazine has released its first Change the World list of 50 companies doing business for good. Noting a societal shift toward conscious consumers and business, the magazine introduced the list this way: "Fortune’s new Change the World list is our contribution to this trend. It is meant to shine a spotlight on companies that have made significant progress in addressing major social problems as a part of their core business strategy. It is based on our belief that capitalism should be not just tolerated but celebrated for its power to do good. At a time when governments are flailing, its powers are needed more than ever." Among the list of 50 are some retailers familiar for their natural and organic product growth and Big Food companies that have received accolades for their health moves. We highlight a few noted companies here. See the complete Change the World list including Walmart, Google and Facebook at fortune.com.

For its efforts to reformulate for health, Fortune highlighted food company Danone at No. 14 on its list.

Fortune notes that the Ben & Jerry’s parent company now sources more than half of its agricultural inputs "from sustainable sources, and it has helped train 800,000 farmers to grow crops responsibly."  

In naming Whole Foods to the Change the World list, Fortune noted the retailer's food standards leadership that is influencing the larger conventional retail landscape. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be included on Fortune’s list because it represents the culmination of decades of passion and dedication our team members have invested in our mission,” co-CEO Walter Robb said in a press release. “Collectively, we believe it is our responsibility to co-create a world where everyone can flourish, and that much of our success to date stems from having a bigger idea that draws in and inspires our team members to further shape and express that idea–or higher purpose–in large and small ways every day.”

Praise for the tobacco ban at CVS put this company at No. 31.

Quantifying and tracking devices play a key role in the health and wellness revolution and the future of personalized medicine. Fitbit leads on this front and gained Fortune's attention for its movement motivation.

Fortune recognized Costco for its commitment to employees. "The average U.S. Costco worker earns $21.50 per hour, and 90 percent of its 134,000 U.S. employees qualify for benefits," the magazine reports. The natural products industry knows Costco for its focus on increasing organic product offerings.

Fortune recognized Costco for its commitment to employees. "The average U.S. Costco worker earns $21.50 per hour, and 90 percent of its 134,000 U.S. employees qualify for benefits," the magazine reports. The natural products industry knows Costco for its focus on increasing organic product offerings.