How often will Ben Jerrys franchisees receive an accounting of the Marketing Fund?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We will provide you with an annual unaudited accounting of Fund contributions and disbursements, upon reasonable request. (Franchise Agreement § 12.2.4) During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Fund used approximately 13% of the money on in-shop promotion materials/production, 76% on digital programs and support, 8% on administrative costs, and 3% on other advertising costs such as Fishbowl (an email marketing tool provided to franchisees).
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 43–60)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees will receive an annual unaudited accounting of the Marketing Fund. This accounting details both the contributions to and the disbursements from the Fund. However, this accounting is only provided upon a reasonable request from the franchisee.
The Marketing Fund is used by Ben Jerrys to promote the brand, Ben & Jerry's Shops, the Proprietary Marks, and the Products. The funds are used for various marketing, advertising, public relations, and promotional programs. These activities may include media marketing campaigns, direct mail advertising, special events, marketing surveys, and in-store promotions.
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, the Fund allocated approximately 13% of its resources to in-shop promotion materials/production, 76% to digital programs and support, 8% to administrative costs, and 3% to other advertising costs, including email marketing tools. Franchisees should be aware that the accounting is unaudited, and they must specifically request it to receive it.