Is a Ben Jerrys operator encouraged to spend more than the minimum Advertising Obligation?

According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Ben Jerrys operator is encouraged to spend more than the minimum advertising obligation. The advertising obligation is the minimum requirement, and the operator may expend additional funds for marketing and promotion.

The advertising obligation is 4% of gross sales. Two percent of gross sales is contributed to the fund, and two percent of gross sales is spent on local advertising and promotion.

This means that while Ben Jerrys requires a minimum spend on advertising, franchisees have the flexibility to invest further in marketing initiatives to boost their individual shop's performance. This can be a significant benefit for franchisees looking to aggressively grow their business or to stand out in a competitive market. However, franchisees should carefully consider their budget and potential return on investment before exceeding the minimum advertising requirements.