PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has been named one of the 2013 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, the company announced Thursday.  

"We are honored to be included in this prestigious list and humbled to be in the company of the most admired and principled businesses in the world," stated Larree Renda, Safeway EVP and chair of the Safeway Foundation. "Safeway, at all times, strives to be an exemplary corporate citizen and a trusted partner. It is a commitment we make every day to our employees, business partners and the many communities we serve throughout North America."

Target and Whole Foods were also named on the Ethisphere list. 

The Ethisphere Institute is a think tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. For the past seven years, it annually selects companies from throughout the world for its prestigious WME list.

This is the third time that Safeway has been recognized by Ethisphere for its commitment to maintaining superior business practices, the company noted.