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Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is an American ice cream company founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont, by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ben & Jerry's is an American ice cream company founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont, by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. It produces ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet, and became part of Unilever in 2000 while continuing to operate as an independent subsidiary. The company is headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, with manufacturing in Waterbury, Vermont.

History

Ben & Jerry's was founded by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. It expanded from a local scoop shop into a major ice cream brand over the following decades.

Products

The company is best known for ice cream, but it also makes frozen yogurt and sorbet. Its product line has included a wide range of flavour combinations and mix-ins.

Ownership

Ben & Jerry's was acquired by Unilever in 2000. It continues to operate as an independent subsidiary within the broader corporate structure.

Operations

The company's headquarters is in South Burlington, Vermont, and its main manufacturing facility is in Waterbury, Vermont. It serves customers in markets around the world.

Key facts

  • Founded in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978.
  • Started as a single ice cream shop before expanding into a multinational brand.
  • Became a subsidiary of Unilever in 2000.
  • Manufactures ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
  • Headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, with main factory in Waterbury, Vermont.
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Canadian context

Ben & Jerry's is widely sold in Canada and is a familiar international ice cream brand for Canadian consumers.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Ben & Jerry's?
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded the company in 1978.
Where was Ben & Jerry's founded?
It was founded in Burlington, Vermont, in the United States.
What does Ben & Jerry's make?
The company makes ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
Who owns Ben & Jerry's now?
It is part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company, after previously operating under Unilever ownership.
Where is Ben & Jerry's headquartered?
Its headquarters is in South Burlington, Vermont.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_&_Jerry's
    Supports: Founding date, founders, headquarters, products, parent company, factory location, and worldwide distribution.
  2. TIME — https://time.com/5252406/ben-jerry-ice-cream-40/
    Supports: Founding story and early growth of Ben & Jerry's.
  3. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/may-5/ben-jerry-open-their-first-ice-cream-shop
    Supports: Opening of the first shop in Burlington in 1978 and founders' names.