Retail Business Services, Ahold Banners Earn Perfect Score for LGBTQ+ Equality

Retail Business Services and several Ahold Delhaize USA banners earned perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

For a third year in a row, Retail Business Services joins the ranks of over 840 major U.S. businesses that also earned a 100% ranking, including other grocers such as Amazon.com Inc. (owner of Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market stores), C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., The Kroger Co., Meijer, Target and Walmart also earned perfect scores on the ranking. The Ahold banners that earned a 100% are Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Co., Hannaford, Stop & Shop and Peapod Digital Labs.

Grocery distributor UNFI also scored a 100% ranking for its policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. 

“We’re incredibly proud to receive a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index again this year,” said Roger Wheeler, resident of Retail Business Services, in a statement. “We have a deep focus on building a culture of belonging in Retail Business Services. Being a welcoming place where associates can bring their whole selves to work is core to who we are.”

The results of the 2022 CEI showcase how 1,271 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ -friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 56% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad.

“When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically,” said Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign SVP of programs, research and training.

The index, which was released on Jan. 27 and can be found here, measures key performance indicators such as non-discrimination policies; equitable employment benefits; inclusive culture; public commitment to LGBTQ equality; and responsible citizenship. Last year’s list included nearly a dozen U.S. grocery retailers, including five Ahold Delhaize banners.

Last fall Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, reflected on Ahold’s commitment to DE&I accountability. In an interview with the LEAD (Leading Executives Advancing Diversity) Network. "D&I has always been a fundamental part of Ahold Delhaize," he said. "This is because we have a diverse customer base and employ more than 400,000 associates across many countries, where we want to reflect the markets we serve. We know that D&I makes us stronger and enables us to do the right things for our business and, more importantly, for our people."