I eat many different ice creams. I'm not an ice cream snob, although I do think Ben & Jerry's is the best. But I'm happy to eat anybody's ice cream, really. As long as it's good.
Jerry GreenfieldIt's pretty rare to have CEOs or high level executives at big companies who are social activists. They tend not to be drawn to those areas of life.
Jerry GreenfieldBen & Jerry's evolved into what it is doing and is trying to transition its supply chain, but this is essentially retrofitting. In the social enterprise movement, we see companies whose essence, the products they make, the reason they exist from day one, is because these people see something out in the world that they cannot accept.
Jerry GreenfieldIf you open up the mind, the opportunity to address both profits and social conditions are limitless. It's a process of innovation.
Jerry GreenfieldIf you happen to believe what Ben & Jerry's is supporting and involved in, then you should support the company. If you don't believe in what we are supporting, don't support it.
Jerry GreenfieldSo much business is based on the belief that we should do whatever we can within legal limits to make as much money as we can. Ben & Jerry's was based on values, and we try to operate a business that not just sells ice cream but partners with all our stakeholders - whether that's suppliers or customers - to bring about a more sustainable world.
Jerry Greenfield