Best Practices

Ben & Jerry's is an ice cream company that was founded by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. The two friends took a correspondence course in ice cream making and decided to start their own business. They opened their first ice cream shop in a renovated gas station and began making homemade ice cream using high-quality ingredients. Ben & Jerry's quickly gained a reputation for its unique flavors and commitment to social and environmental causes. The company became known for its creative and sometimes eccentric ice cream flavors, such as Cherry Garcia, Phish Food, and Chunky Monkey. They also incorporated fun mix-ins and chunks into their ice cream, which became a signature feature of their brand. In addition to its focus on ice cream, Ben & Jerry's has been an advocate for social justice and environmental sustainability. They were one of the first companies to use Fair Trade ingredients in their ice cream and have supported various social and environmental initiatives over the years. They are also known for their progressive values and commitment to giving back to the community.7

Linked Prosperity is a term coined by Ben & Jerry's to describe their commitment to creating positive social and economic impacts throughout their business. It is a core principle that guides their approach to business and encompasses their efforts to benefit all stakeholders, including employees, farmers, suppliers, customers, and the communities in which they operate. Linked Prosperity is based on the belief that a successful business should not only generate profits but also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of all those involved in its operations. This includes promoting fair and dignified working conditions for employees, supporting sustainable agricultural practices for farmers, sourcing high-quality ingredients from suppliers, and giving back to the communities through various social and environmental initiatives.

Sustainability, fair trade, employ relations, social impact, waste management

• Social Justice Advocacy: Ben & Jerry's has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues. They have used their platform to raise awareness and support causes such as racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and democracy.
• Sustainable Sourcing: The company is committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients in a sustainable and responsible manner. They prioritize using non-GMO ingredients, fair trade-certified products, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. They work closely with their suppliers to ensure ethical sourcing throughout their supply chain.
• Climate Action: Ben & Jerry's has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact and combat climate change. They have set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and minimize waste. They have also invested in innovative solutions, such as using carbon-neutral freezers and exploring sustainable packaging alternatives.
• Employee Well-being: The company values its employees and prioritizes their well-being. They offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment. They also provide opportunities for employee growth and development, encouraging a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

• Financial Performance
• Social Impact
• Environmental Sustainability
• Employee Engagement and Satisfaction
• Customer Loyalty and Brand Reputation
• Stakeholder Engagement

• B Corp Certification
• Fairtrade Certification
• USDA Organic Certification
• Rainforest Alliance Certification
• Non-GMO Project Verification

• According to Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing: Ben & Jerry's can face challenges in ensuring the sustainability and traceability of its ingredient supply chain. To address this, the company can continue to invest in partnerships with suppliers committed to sustainable and ethical practices, promote regenerative agriculture, and explore innovative sourcing methods.
• According to Packaging Waste: Like many food companies, Ben & Jerry's faces challenges related to packaging waste. To mitigate this, the company can focus on reducing packaging materials, increasing the use of recyclable or compostable packaging, and exploring circular economy solutions such as reusable containers or packaging made from recycled materials.
• According to Climate Change Mitigation: As a company that relies on agricultural ingredients, Ben & Jerry's is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. To address this, the company can continue to work on reducing its carbon footprint through energy efficiency measures, renewable energy sourcing, and supporting climate resilience initiatives in its supply chain.
• According to Social Justice and Equity: Ben & Jerry's commitment to social justice can also present challenges as it navigates complex social issues. To further its efforts in this area, the company can continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion within its workforce, support marginalized communities through partnerships and initiatives, and use its platform to advocate for social change.

• https://www.benjerry.com/ Access 15/6/2023
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/ben-&-jerry's/ Access 15/6/2023
• https://www.instagram.com/benandjerrys/ Access 15/6/2023