When must a Ben Jerrys operator submit an annual profit and loss statement to Ben Jerrys?

According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Ben Jerrys operator must submit an annual profit and loss statement to Ben Jerrys no later than the sixtieth day following the end of each calendar year. This statement should accurately reflect all gross sales during the preceding calendar year, along with any other information Ben Jerrys specifies. The profit and loss statements must be prepared on an accrual basis and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

This requirement ensures that Ben Jerrys has a clear and consistent view of each franchise's financial performance. By adhering to GAAP standards, the financial data is standardized, allowing for easier comparison and analysis across all Ben Jerrys locations. The annual profit and loss statement provides Ben Jerrys with essential information for assessing the overall health and performance of the franchise system.

For a prospective Ben Jerrys franchisee, this means maintaining meticulous financial records throughout the year. The franchisee must ensure their accounting practices align with GAAP and that they can generate an accurate profit and loss statement by the required deadline. Failure to submit the report on time or in the correct format could result in penalties or other consequences as outlined in the franchise agreement. Therefore, it is crucial for franchisees to establish robust accounting systems and processes to meet these reporting obligations.