Few brands are as loved as Ben & Jerry’s. Beyond their delicious flavors and fun names, Ben & Jerry’s is known for its commitment to change. Whether it’s social justice or sustainability Ben & Jerry’s strives for transformation in all sorts of communities.
Ben & Jerry’s didn’t start as the huge brand that it is now. They started in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield began in 1978 and from the beginning, the two of them aimed to use business as a force for good.
While it might come as a surprise Ben and Jerry’s is active in political advocacy. It takes bold stands on social and political issues. They advocate for marriage equality, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. The company uses its platform to raise awareness and drive change. For example, their “Justice ReMix’d” flavor supports criminal justice reform. Their commitment to social justice goes beyond making a profit.
Like many other food-based businesses, they have also attempted to maintain environmental sustainability. They have many sustainability initiatives to reduce waste, save water, and use renewable energy. Their main initiative comes from their sourcing. They refer to it as linked prosperity. Ben and Jerry’s source from many different suppliers from different backgrounds, and places, “from Vermont dairy farms to smallholder cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast.” Much of its sustainability comes from its packaging, Green & Lean energy efficient Freezers, and methane digesters. The company also supports policies to fight climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
Ben & Jerry’s shows that a business can succeed while prioritizing social responsibility. Their focus on justice, sustainability, and community engagement sets them apart. Ben & Jerry’s embodies redemptive entrepreneurship. By enjoying their ice cream, we support a mission to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
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It is so cool to hear about Ben and Jerry's and how much goes into the business besides just serving ice cream. I've never been to a Ben and Jerry's before, but I never knew they named a flavor which supports criminal justice reform. I think that is very brave of them to get involved with political issues, but it shows the community who they are as a successful business and I give them credit for that. I would definitely choose an ice cream shop that supports what they do compared to a different one!
Hi! I had no idea that Ben & Jerry's had such a holistic mission, it's really cool how they envisioned using business "as a force for good." Even more so, it's impressive how much they're doing. Instead of focusing on one way to catalyze positive change, they utilize their products and their profits to advocate for, aid, and raise awareness for social justice and environmental care. What a neat business model!