Consumer Reports Named Fast Company 2023 Brand That Matters

YONKERS, NY – For the first time ever, Consumer Reports (CR) is a Fast Company Brand That Matters for work to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.  

CR was named a winner in the Public Service category. Fast Company recognized CR’s success in the past year to expose hidden dangers in food, push for protections of drivers and pedestrians, and advocate for digital security rights. 

“Real-world impact lies at the very heart of CR’s mission,” said Marta L. Tellado, president and CEO of Consumer Reports. “We’re honored that Fast Company recognized CR’s role as a beacon of trusted information and a driving force that empowers consumers and propels positive change.”

CR’s investigation into dark chocolate was a continuation of long-standing work to expose heavy metals in food, including baby food, herbs and spices. To rally public support for change, CR launched petitions to the biggest brands — Hershey’s, Trader Joe’s, Mondelez, and Theo — which more than 75,000 people have signed. In an interview with Reuters about the CR investigation, Hershey’s CFO said the company is evaluating if it can remove more of the metals through additional cleaning of cocoa beans or alternate sourcing.

Exposing PFAS in food packaging is part of CR’s work to educate the public about how PFAS chemicals get into food and water, and how people can limit their exposure. We found these “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to a variety of health problems, in fast food bowls, bags, plates, and wrappers. Major brands like RBI — which owns Burger King and Popeyes — Chick-fil-A, and Nathan’s Famous publicly committed to phase out use of PFAS after learning of CR’s investigation.

CR’s work with consumers to raise awareness of the danger of frontal blind zones of vehicles was strengthened by its 87-year reputation as a leading advocate for auto safety and the resources it has put into testing at its auto track in Connecticut, where its team tests 50 cars each year and drives them for a total of about 500,000 miles annually. More than 50,000 people have joined CR in calling on automakers to make safety their top priority and fix front-end blind zones.

To work for people’s digital rights, CR used the same combination of testing, research, and technology—this time to design Permission Slip, an app to empower individuals to take control over their data and provide governments with an avenue to make changes that benefit the consumer. 

“The scale and scope of honorees this year is incredible,” said Brendan Vaughan, Fast Company’s editor-in-chief. “At first glance, there might not be much in common between brands like M&M’s, Dungeons & Dragons, and healthtech platform WellTheory, but the thread that binds them is a commitment and purpose as a brand and relevance to their audience, whether that’s through fun, games, or healthcare.” 

The final list of Brands That Matter, which includes large multinational conglomerates, small-but-mighty companies, and nonprofits, recognizes 165 brands that give people compelling reasons to care about them—and offer inspiration for others to buy in. Fast Company editors judged each brand on relevancy, cultural impact, ingenuity, and business impact to compile the list.

Learn more about CR’s impact in the Fast Company Brands That Matter feature. 

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Brendan Vaughan. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication, Inc., and can be found online at fastcompany.com.