Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. emerged as a leader in pollinator protection in Friends of the Earth’s 2025 Bee-Friendly Retailer Scorecard, becoming only the second grocery retailer to earn a grade in the “A” range. The annual scorecard evaluates 25 of the nation’s largest grocery retailers on their commitments and progress toward reducing the use of pesticides linked to the decline of bees, biodiversity, and soil and human health. Friends of the Earth said that while some retailers have recently strengthened their pollinator health policies, overall industry inaction continues to expose companies to financial, ecological and consumer trust risks.
Sprouts joined Whole Foods Market in the top tier after unveiling a new pollinator health commitment in December aimed at reducing the use of toxic pesticides across its supply chain while building on the retailer’s strong organic sales.
Friends of the Earth cited organic sales as a key differentiator in the rankings, noting that products certified under the USDA Organic seal prohibit more than 900 synthetic pesticides, including many associated with risks to pollinators, soil health and human well-being.
“Pesticides are a linchpin in an industrial food system that is destroying the web of life — from pollinators to soil to human health,” said Kendra Klein, Deputy Director of Science at Merrifield, Virginia-based Friends of the Earth. “Retailers have both the power and responsibility to accelerate a transition to safer, more resilient agriculture. The leaders on this scorecard prove that progress is possible — and consumers are demanding it.”
Other retailers posted mixed results on the 2025 scorecard. Costco improved its grade to a “B+” from a “C,” reflecting strong organic sales and reported progress on its pollinator health policy. Amazon improved to a “D-” from an “F,” driven in part by organic sales at Amazon Fresh and the influence of third-party certifications.
Friends of the Earth said several retailers lost points for failing to communicate meaningful progress on pollinator health commitments, including Albertsons, ALDI, CVS, Kroger, Southeastern Grocers and Target. Target dropped to an “F” from a “D-,” joining a group of retailers at the bottom of the rankings that includes Wegmans, BJ’s Wholesale Club, H-E-B, Walgreens, Hy-Vee, Dollar General, Publix and Wakefern.
The advocacy group pointed to growing consumer concern about pesticide use, noting that national polling consistently shows rising demand—particularly among parents—for organic and pesticide-free options, along with greater transparency in retailer supply chains. A recent analysis commissioned by Friends of the Earth estimated the U.S. food retail sector faces $219 billion in climate, financial and biodiversity risks tied to pesticide-dependent agriculture.
Friends of the Earth also warned that declining pollinator populations could lead to supply constraints and price volatility, citing research that has linked pollinator loss to reduced yields in crops such as apples and cherries.
Friends of the Earth’s Bee-Friendly Retailer campaign is supported by more than 100 beekeeping, farming, farmworker, consumer and environmental organizations, including the Campaign for Healthier Solutions, which works with dollar stores to remove hazardous chemicals from store shelves.
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