Kao Receives Ethical Recognition For 19th Time
Global personal care manufacturer Kao Corporation was recently named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® in 2025 by Ethisphere, marking the 19th consecutive year that Kao has earned this prestigious recognition. Furthermore, Kao is one of only six companies worldwide and the sole Asian company to receive the honor since its inception. In 2025, 136 companies across 19 countries and 44 business categories were chosen, with Kao being the only recipient in the Health and Beauty Care category.
Kao Corporation CEO, President, and Representative Director Yoshihiro Hasebe said, “We are honored to have been selected as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® for 19 consecutive years. ‘Integrity as the only choice’ is at the heart of our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, and external recognition such as this is invaluable to us. We remain committed to tackling challenges with courage as we strive toward ambitious goals, aiming to lead our industry and fulfill our purpose—creating a Kirei world in which all life lives in harmony.”
The Ethisphere recognition is based on a thorough assessment of a company’s strides in ethics, transparency, integrity, and compliance. Kao’s commitment to these values is deeply rooted in its culture and operational practices, especially through the Kao Business Conduct Guidelines. These guidelines serve as a critical framework for the company’s employees worldwide, ensuring they uphold integrity in all their business dealings. Kao’s continued success in ethical practices highlights its leadership role in the industry, driving positive change both within the company and across the broader global business community.
Learn more about Kao’s Business Conduct Guidelines here:
https://www.kao.com/global/en/corporate/policies/compliance/business-conduct-guideline/
Casey’s Supports Education With $900,000 in Grants
Convenience store chain Casey’s recently announced that it plans to award $900,000 in grants through its annual Cash for Classrooms program. These grants, ranging up to $50,000, will be distributed to 80 nonprofit and public, private schools in 17 states and will support various school needs, including building and playground improvements, educational materials, and the funding of extracurricular activities. Since its inception in 2020, the program has awarded approximately $5 million in grants to more than 400 schools.
Casey’s Director of Communications & Public Relations Katie Petru said, “At Casey’s, we’re all about delivering the unexpected to our guests and local communities. One of the most important ways we do that is through the financial support we provide to schools through our Cash for Classrooms program. Casey’s is dedicated to supporting schools, teachers, and students and helping the next generation prepare for a bright future. We appreciate the generosity of our guests, team members, and partners who enable us to make a positive impact.”
Some notable examples of this year’s grants include $40,000 awarded to a high school in West Branch, Iowa, for the purchase of band instruments, $30,000 for new touch-screen smart boards at classrooms in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and $25,000 for gymnasium and courtyard improvements at a middle school in Poteau, Oklahoma. The next round of Cash for Classrooms grant applications opens in the fall of 2025.
Learn more here: https://www.caseys.com/community
EY FCI Shows Consumers Are Changing Buying Habits Amid Inflation
According to the latest findings from the 15th EY Future Consumer Index (FCI), 73% of U.S. consumers have altered their purchasing behavior over the past year due to rising prices and economic concerns. As inflation pressures continue, price remains the most important factor in buying decisions for 50% of consumers. Meanwhile, private label products are increasingly seen as a cost-saving alternative, with 76% of consumers acknowledging they help save money, a notable 9% increase since September 2023. However, despite trying private labels, 55% of consumers switch back to branded products, with 48% citing superior taste, quality, or performance as key reasons for their return.
EY Americas Retail Sector Leader Mark Chambers said, “Retailers have always dealt with varying degrees of geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, but what’s different now, more than ever, is the acute ability to measure their connection with consumers and how these external influences are impacting their day-to-day buying habits. We’ve observed the changing expectations of more value-conscious consumers, and retailers need to keep pace by evaluating and leveraging a mix of the tools available to them, like pricing strategies, customer intelligence platforms, and inventory optimization.”
The increasing importance of price and value is reshaping consumer preferences, leading shoppers to prioritize these factors over brand loyalty. This shift is particularly noticeable across generations, with older consumers (Gen X and Baby Boomers) shopping at discount retailers or supermarkets more often, while younger consumers (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to choose non-traditional retail options. Consumers are also adapting by adjusting their buying habits, with many opting for smaller product sizes in categories like snacks (36%), alcoholic beverages (35%), and takeout (35%).
Read more here: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/insights/consumer-products/brand-relevance-era-of-endless-choice