History of Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's, now a subsidiary of Unilever, has a rich and colorful history that began in 1978 when
childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first ice cream shop in a renovated
gas station in Burlington, Vermont. The two friends quickly gained a following for their
unconventional and chunky ice cream flavors, often inspired by local ingredients and their quirky
sense of humor. Their commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients and their unique
approach to flavor combinations set them apart in the ice cream industry.
Throughout the
1980s
and 1990s, Ben & Jerry's continued to grow, expanding its distribution beyond Vermont and gaining
national recognition for both its delicious ice cream and its socially responsible business
practices. The company became known for its progressive stance on social issues, advocating for
causes such as environmental sustainability and fair trade. In 2000, Ben & Jerry's was acquired by
Unilever, but has maintained its commitment to social responsibility and the use of natural
ingredients. Under Unilever's ownership, Ben & Jerry's has continued to innovate with new flavors
and has expanded its presence globally, while staying true to its Vermont roots and the original
vision of its founders.