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Ice Cream History Revealed! What Was Ben & Jerry's First Ice Cream Flavor?

Co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield knew there needed to be a creamy, delicious ice cream that could stand on its own before adding any chunks and swirls. Since 1978 the duo stirred up every imaginable flavor combination - many that had never been tried before. Still, Greenfield and Cohen are quick to point out that the first flavor an ice cream maker must perfect is the one without any chunks or swirls whatsoever. That's why their first flavor was: Vanilla.

"While Ben & Jerry's is synonymous with funky and chunky concoctions like Phishfood, Chunky Monkey and Chubby Hubby, the company has been heralded for its Vanilla ice cream in national independent taste tests year after year," said Leo Acquino, Director of the Flavor Guru team. "Usually testers cite our flavor, texture and creaminess;" added Acquino, "it's that homemade quality that we're most proud of."

Customers agree too. Vanilla is the best-selling flavor in Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops nationwide. As the holiday season approaches, and you need the tastiest vanilla beside that pie you've perfected, there are even more reasons for choosing Ben & Jerry's vanilla than simply for its award-winning taste. Ben & Jerry's believes that it's what's inside that counts. That means never missing out on an extra scoop! Ben & Jerry's pint is still a pint (a full sixteen fluid ounces) versus the downsized 14 ounces of other competitors. While it is the "giving season" you shouldn't be paying full price for less than a full pint of super premium ice cream.

Furthering the company's belief that it's what's inside that counts, Ben & Jerry's Vanilla ice cream always starts with fresh and wholesome cream and milk from Vermont family farmers who promise not to use recombinant bovine growth hormone. In addition Ben & Jerry's uses Fair Trade vanilla beans, paying developing world farmers a guaranteed fair price for their harvest. The result is a sweet deal all around. The effort combines great taste plus good business decisions which results in Ben & Jerry's Vanilla not only being the company's first flavor, but also being the world's best vanilla.

For more information on Ben & Jerry's or to find your local Scoop Shop, visit www.benjerry.com. For up-to-date information on the company, coupons, images and more, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/benjerry.

About Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and ice cream novelties, using high-quality ingredients including milk and cream from family farmers who do not treat their cows with the synthetic hormone rBGH. The company states its position on rBGH* on its labels. Ben and Jerry's products are distributed nationwide and in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry's, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Contributions made via the employee led Ben & Jerry's Foundation in 2009 totaled over $1.7 million. Additionally, the company makes significant product donations to community groups and nonprofits both in Vermont and across the nation. The purpose of Ben & Jerry's philanthropy is to support the founding values of the company: economic and social justice, environmental restoration and peace through understanding, and to support our Vermont communities. For the full scoop on all Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop locations and fabulous flavors, visit www.benjerry.com.

* The FDA has said no significant difference has been shown and no test can now distinguish between milk from rBGH treated cows and untreated cows. Not all the suppliers of our other ingredients can promise that the milk they use comes from untreated cows.

Ben & Jerry's
Sean Greenwood, 802-846-1500 x7701
Grand Poobah of PR
Sean.Greenwood@benjerry.com