Ben & Jerry’s partners with farmers to drive sustainable dairy practices

USA – Ben & Jerry’s has partnered with farmers, scientists and experts under the Low Carbon Dairy project  to reduce the environmental footprint of dairy farming.

The initiative aims to cut farm emissions by 50% by 2025 by focusing on improved soil health, animal welfare, and climate resilience.

U.S. farms participating in the project have reported a 16% drop in greenhouse gas emissions, while over ten Dutch farms have also seen notable reductions. 

These achievements are driven by practices like regenerative agriculture, homegrown feed, and the adoption of renewable energy.

This project is part of Ben & Jerry’s larger Caring Dairy program, which has been operating in Europe since 2006 and in the U.S. since 2011. 

The program works closely with farms to enhance sustainability and operational standards. Vermont’s Four Girls Dairy, for example, has implemented solar installations and robotic feed pushers to boost efficiency and minimize environmental impacts. Currently, 13% of U.S. 

Caring Dairy farms are engaged in the Low Carbon initiative, with plans to expand the program further, reinforcing sustainable practices in the dairy sector.

In 2022, Ben & Jerry’s made headlines by divesting from Israel, ceasing the sale of its ice cream in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. 

The divestment, representing the US$19 billion U.S. ice cream market, was seen as a significant ethical stance in support of human rights. 

The company stated, “We believe it is inconsistent with our values for our product to be present within an internationally recognized illegal occupation.” 

Unilever restructuring and  impact on Ben & Jerry’s

Shares of Unilever rose after the company announced a restructuring plan, which includes the potential separation of its ice cream unit, encompassing brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum. 

The restructuring, expected to impact 7,500 predominantly office-based roles globally, is anticipated to save around €800 million (US$868.3 million) by 2025.

Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher, who took over in July 2023, stated that the restructuring would simplify the company’s operations, dividing it into four distinct business divisions: beauty and well-being, personal care, home care, and nutrition. 

Unilever’s ice cream division, which generated €7.9 billion in 2023, accounted for 13% of its total revenue.

The company said that a “demerger is the most likely separation route” for the ice cream business, though details remain under discussion.

This move followed growing pressure from activist investors to streamline Unilever’s sprawling business. 

Some investors, like Terry Smith of Fundsmith, Unilever’s 10th largest shareholder, viewed the restructuring positively, though he also noted the challenges posed by the ice cream division, particularly in a high-inflation environment where consumers have increasingly turned to cheaper supermarket brands.

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