U.S. Fan Wins for Best Fair Trade Flavor out of 15 Countries
BURLINGTON, Vt.--(Business Wire)--
Ben & Jerry`s has once again turned a fan`s flavor dream into a sweet reality
with the "Do The World A Flavor" competition. Wisconsin resident, Toni Gunnison,
concocted a caramel ice cream with praline almonds and a caramel swirl. The
flavor, which integrates Fair Trade almonds, was named "Almond Delight" by its
creator.
The Mount Horeb, Wisconsin flavor creator was awarded the grand prize on a
recent once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Dominican Republic. Fifteen finalists from
different countries spent a week with Fair Trade farmers at Conocado, a Fair
Trade chocolate cooperative, with co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield,
and creating their suggested Fair Trade flavors under the watchful eyes of Ben &
Jerry`s research and development Flavor Gurus. They also participated in a local
community project, building a playground for the local children of Yabon.
Gunnison was stunned that Ben & Jerry`s chose her idea as the winning flavor;
"I`m shocked," stated the winner amongst the camera flashes after receiving top
honors. Gunnison clearly shared that the competition was tough. "There were so
many great flavors from the other contestants," Gunnison added. The Wisconsin
resident downplayed her role as the contest winner and declared the most
important part of the week was in performing the community service and making so
many new friends from the peace, love and ice cream contest. "I think it`s not
only important for businesses to give back to the community, but individuals
should as well," Gunnison said.
Toni`s nutty and creamy creation was picked from 100,000 flavor suggestions. The
90 day-long "Do The World A Flavor" competition, was held in the spring of 2009.
Ben & Jerry`s has a long standing tradition of turning fans` suggestions into
global successes, including iconic flavors such as Cherry Garcia and Chubby
Hubby. "Ben & Jerry`s has the best fans out there," said Chief Flavor Guru,
Arnold Carbone. "Having one of them create our next special batch - and add
another fair trade ingredient to the lineup we use is fairly nuts to some, but
business as usual for us."
The Vermont-based ice cream companystated that they would need to tweak the
name, to avoid any possible trademark issues, and dubbed the concoction "Dulce
Almond." Dulce Almond will be available as a special batch flavor at Ben &
Jerry`s Scoop Shops nationwide on a limited-time only basis in 2010. Stay
informed about the release by visiting http://www.benjerry.com.
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 2008 totaled over $1.8 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.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6097173&lang=en
Ben & Jerry`s
Sean Greenwood, 802-846-1500
Grand Poobah of P.R.
Sean.Greenwood@benjerry.com
or
Liz Brenna, 802-846-1500
P.R. Chick
Liz.Brenna@benjerry.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
