Chobani Yogurt: A Leader in Job Creation for Refugees

In an era where serious corporate misconduct seems to make the news every couple of years, (from Enron’s massive accounting fraud to Merrill Lynch and friends’ implosion of the financial system to BP’s Deepwater Horizon environmental disaster) it is easy to become pessimistic and believe that many large corporations do not have a conscience. Fortunately, this is not the case with many corporations as we continue to see a greater number of sociably responsible companies each day. Notable socially responsible corporations include Patagonia (outdoor clothing manufacturer and environmental leader), and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. We can now add Chobani Yogurt to this list.  

Founded in 2007 by Hamdi Ulukaya, a Turkish immigrant of Kurdish descent, Chobani has grown to $1.5 Billion in annual sales. Upon learning about the difficulties facing refugee resettlement populations in New York, Mr. Ulukaya began actively hiring refugees and paying them well above the minimum wage for factory positions and proving them with benefits. He now has become a leading advocate for refugee resettlement programs and is not afraid to continue to advocate for the cause. He spoke at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this year, pushing the message that corporations need to do more to assist refugees.

This exceptional work by Chobani definitely has swayed my vote in the yogurt aisle. Click here to read the full New York Times article.