Nestle is the most admired food company with PepsiCo just behind, according to latest surveys.
Unilever was next on the list compiled by Fortune Magazine, with Kellogg’s rounding out the top five.
Lower down on the list was Kraft Foods, H.J Heinz and Sara Lea, at 7th 8th and 12th respectively.
The findings are particularly interesting in the current retail environment, which is pushing food manufacturers to streamline their workforce and look abroad for cheaper manufacturing areas.
Yesterday it was announced that between Mars and Murray Goulburn, 100 Victorian jobs in the food sector will be lost this month.
This comes after the state already suffered the Heinz tomato processing facility in the tiny town of Girgarre closing, which saw 146 workers lose their jobs.
Considering that only 420 residents of Girgarre are aged between 15 and 64, it is a considerable percentage of the town.
Heinz blamed the retail pressures and high Australian dollar for its decision to relocate the facility to New Zealand, as have many other Australian companies and industries.
Do you agree with the list of admired food companies? Which food companies do you admire?