From left: Romina Chavez Valdez, Skyelynn Love Jaime and Aiko Guinto Panelo received their associate degrees at a ceremony at Bakersfield College on May 16. Photo via The Wonderful Company

The Wonderful Company has been named the top company on the 2025 People Companies That Care list, recognized for its employee support, community investment and environmental stewardship — jumping from its No. 3 ranking last year.

Founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, along with their foundations and company, have provided more than $2.5 billion in philanthropic giving, focusing extensively on communities where Wonderful employees and their families live and work.

The Wonderful Company is one of the country’s largest privately-held companies and is among the world’s largest agricultural companies. Based in Los Angeles, the company operates in the Central Valley and wine regions of California, as well as Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma and Arkansas, as well as in Mexico and Fiji.

The Wonderful Company’s Career Pathways program, which provides high school students from seven partnering schools with the opportunity to obtain their associate’s degree upon graduating high school, was highlighted by People Magazine. Since 2018, its efforts have led to more than 1,600 students graduating from the program with associate’s degrees.

“In the Central Valley of California, our people do the hard work of feeding our nation. Their children deserve every opportunity,” the Resnicks said. “Wonderful Career Pathways is one of the many ways we are committed to ending the cycle of poverty by taking a holistic view and focusing on the social determinants of a healthy society.”

Since 2015, The Wonderful Company and Resnicks have combined to commit over $1 billion in the Central Valley alone. The company offers free health care services to full-time workforce in the Valley, and supports more than 70 schools, including two public charter schools founded by the Resnicks.

They have also funded over 1,000 Wonderful Scholars — children of employees — supporting them with up to $40,000 each in college scholarships.

“Witnessing the innovative spirit with which these companies invest in their employees, communities, and the world is truly invigorating,” said Charlotte Triggs, People general manager and editor-in-chief. “Their commitment reflects our mission, to feature what happens when ordinary people do extraordinary work.”

The Wonderful Company this year was also named one of Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

The Wonderful Company beat out other nationally recognized companies for the top honors, including Hilton (2), Delta Airlines (3) and Cisco (5). Also named on the list were Nvidia (8), Navy Federal Credit Union (27) and Capital One (34).

Check out People.com for a full list of the 2025 People’s Companies That Care.