SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT - Ben & Jerry's announced today that the company is making a total transition to egg suppliers who use "Certified-Humane," cage-free methods to raise their egg-laying hens. Ben & Jerry's is the first national food manufacturer to move towards a total transition of its products to "Certified-Humane" cage-free eggs. This move is consistent with Ben & Jerry's mission and values.

"Since we are the first national food manufacturer to make this transition, it has taken us more time than we expected to line up the significant supply of "Certified-Humane" cage-free eggs we require and to work out all of the logistics involved for our needs," said Walt Freese, Ben & Jerry's CEO. "I speak for all of us at Ben & Jerry's to say how pleased we are to announce this transition," Freese said.

"Earlier this year, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) brought to our attention issues related to the treatment of egg-laying hens," said Rob Michalak, Ben & Jerry's Director of Social Mission.

"The closer we got to the issue, the more we realized how complex it was. It required us to move beyond our own expertise. We received substantive input from a variety of experts and resources, all of which helped us to arrive at our decision," Michalak said.

Due to the significant investment necessary for Ben & Jerry's to make this transition, it will be phased in over a four year period, at which time all of the company's products which use eggs will use only "Certified-Humane" cage-free eggs. The cage-free transition comes at a time when Ben & Jerry's is already invested in a number of efforts centered around environmental, social and economic justice, including: an ongoing program to address global warming; a PartnerShop program that creates new opportunities for at-risk youth in Ben & Jerry's scoop shops owned by non-profits; the investment in a dairy supply free of the bovine growth hormone rBGH; expanding its Fair Trade sourcing program to support developing communities globally and conducting a national campaign to change Federal budget priorities to address basic human needs.

About Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and ice cream novelties. The company is committed to using milk and cream from cows that have not been treated with the synthetic hormone rBGH, and 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 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. Ben & Jerry's contributes a minimum of $1.1 million annually through corporate philanthropy that is primarily employee led. Contributions made via the Ben & Jerry's Foundation in 2005 totaled over $1.4 (TBC) 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 fabulous flavors, visit www.benjerry.com.com.

Ben & Jerry's

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. Ben & Jerry’s contributes a minimum of $1.1 million annually through corporate philanthropy that is primarily employee led. Contributions made via the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation in 2006 totaled almost $1.6 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.

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