Ben and Jerry’s

Overview

Ice cream is a delicious treat that few can resist.

One of the best-known vendors is Ben & Jerry’s. A pair of friends who started their own ice cream business, which in the end became one of the biggest ice cream brands known by name. Ben & Jerry’s first shop

opened in 1978

Humble

BeginningsAfter taking a $5 ice cream making class from Penn State and a $12,000 investment, childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield open their first ice cream scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont.

Growth

The original scoop shop became a community favorite all thanks to it’s unique flavors.

Ben and Jerry also made it a goal to connect with the community; hosting free film festivals and giving away free scoops on the stores first anniversary, a tradition that still continues today!

As news of Ben & Jerry’s spread more people wanted to try. So the next scoop shop opens in Shelburne, Vermont.

The 80sIn 1983 Ben & Jerry’s finally expanded outside of Vermont. A shop opened in Maine.

Throughout the 80s Ben & Jerry’s unveiled several flavors. By 1987 sales were at $32 million.

In 1988 Ben & Jerry are named “U.S. Small Business Persons of the Year” by president Regan.

Growing Pains

Ben & Jerry didn’t always have smooth sailing when it came to their business. Ben & Jerry’s often faced off with Häagen-Dazs

over distribution rights, leading to lawsuits.

Once Ben & Jerry realized they needed someone with a good business judgment they held a contest called “YO! I’m your CEO” in which anyone could apply.

In 1995 Robert Holland, Jr. was selected to be CEO, ironically he was not found via the contest.

Take a Stand for Children

Ben & Jerry's joins in a supportive campaign with the non profit, Children's Defense Fund; the goal is to bring children's basic needs to the top of the national agenda.

In 1994 Ben & Jerry's: The Inside Scoop, written by Fred "Chico" Lager was published.

In 1990 Eight million Ben & Jerry's pints carried a "Support Farm Aid " message as part of the grassroots efforts of Farm Aid, a non-profit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on their land.

Chocolate Chip Cookie dough is invented in 1991 and becomes one of the most popular flavors.

Early 90s

In 1994 Ben & Jerry’s begins to show up in the UK.

Late 90s

In 1995 benandjerrys.com is created and has millions of hits.

In 1996 Ben & Jerry’s introduces “No Fat, No Lactose, No Cholesterol” flavors.

On their 20th anniversary, in 1998, Ben & Jerry’s changes up the look of their ice cream cartons.

Ben & JerryBen & Jerry’s ice cream is a legend. From their great flavors to unique names.

Ben Cohen has been serving ice cream even before he went to college. During his senior year in high school he drove on ice cream truck. He attended various colleges before giving up his studies altogether and working on a farm, where he also dabbed in ice cream making.

Jerry Greenfield, however, went straight to college after high school to study medicine. He did work as an ice cream scooper in his college’s cafeteria. Upon graduating, Jerry returned to New York to work as a lab technician, while applying to medical school without success.

While Jerry worked as a lab tech in NYC he shared an apartment with Ben. And after moving to NC for a couple years he ran into Ben again, and together they started a very well known business.