How does Ben Jerrys define the 'Social' aspect of their Mission?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The three parts of our Mission are: (i) Product: to make, distribute, and sell the finest-quality ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment; (ii) Economic: to operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders, and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees; and (iii) Social: to operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally. Through our Core Values, we are committed to: (i) honoring the rights of all people to live with liberty, security, self-esteem, and freedom of expression and protest, and to have the opportunity to provide for their own needs and contribute to society; (ii) achieving equity, opportunity, and justice for communities across the globe that have been historically marginalized, recognizing that this is tied to fair livelihoods that enable individuals, families, and communities to thrive; and (iii) a positive, life-giving environmental impact that restores degraded natural environments and enables increased diversity and abundance of ecosystems.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 9–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the 'Social' aspect of their mission involves operating the company in a way that acknowledges the significant role businesses play in society. This involves initiating innovative approaches to enhance the quality of life at the local, national, and international levels.
Ben Jerrys's commitment extends to core values that include honoring the rights of all individuals to live with liberty, security, self-esteem, and freedom of expression. They also strive to provide opportunities for people to meet their needs and contribute to society. Furthermore, Ben Jerrys is dedicated to achieving equity, opportunity, and justice for historically marginalized communities worldwide, recognizing the importance of fair livelihoods that enable individuals, families, and communities to prosper.
In addition to these principles, Ben Jerrys aims to have a positive environmental impact by restoring degraded natural environments and promoting increased diversity and abundance of ecosystems. This holistic approach to social responsibility reflects Ben Jerrys's broader commitment to making a positive difference in the world through its business practices. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these values and the company's activism strategies to ensure alignment with their own beliefs and business approach.