Our mission statement is who we are. It defines our culture and purpose. It’s our guide to ensure we’re fully committed to our goals, while upholding our company values.

This year is the 30th anniversary of Publix’s mission statement. In 1992, we clearly established our mission: to be the premier quality food retailer in the world.

We further expanded on it by committing to be

• passionately focused on customer value
• intolerant of waste
• dedicated to the dignity, value and employment security of our associates
• devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our stockholders and
• involved as responsible citizens in our community.

These beliefs still guide how we operate today.

Enjoy this flashback to our 1992 annual report where each of these pages introduced a bullet from our mission statement.

Passionately focused on customer value

Taking care of customers is a requirement for success. To do this, we must understand who our customers are and what they want. We’re passionately committed to a level of customer service that’s recognized across our industry.

Intolerant of waste

Eliminating and preventing waste has been a part of our culture since the very beginning. As a company owner, you can make a difference in our sustainability efforts by looking to find new ways to reduce waste. These efforts are good for our environment as well as our company, so we can be responsible owners for Publix and citizens for our communities.

Dedicated to the dignity, value and employment security of our associates

You are the heart of our business, and we believe all associates should be treated with dignity and respect. We have an open-door policy and work to retain associates for the long haul. As part of our culture, you may receive on-the-job training, benefit from promote-from-within opportunities and be eligible for tuition reimbursement programs to help further your career goals.

Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our stockholders

As associates, we have the unique opportunity to be owners of the largest employee-owned company in the United States. Much of our culture is centered around company ownership because we’re entrusted to always do the right thing and make the right decisions for our company. When you own something, you take better care of it. And we know that by taking care of the company — our products, equipment, customers and each other — our company will continue to grow and succeed.

Involved as responsible citizens in our community

Mr. George was once asked how much he’d be worth if he hadn’t given so much away, and he said, “probably nothing.” Giving has always been a part of our culture. We believe in doing good together by giving our time, talent and money. And as a food retailer, we know we can make the greatest impact by feeding people in need, so we support Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofits to help alleviate hunger throughout the Southeast. We also have 2 Publix Serves Weeks each year for you to volunteer together in your local communities.

Our mission statement has stood the test of time and will continue to guide us into the future.