We’re disappointed to see that “progressive” company Ben & Jerry’s is scheduled to open a new factory in Israel. From YNet News:
Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream company will open a new factory in the Beer Tuvia area in southern Israel, near Kiryat Malachi, in a facility that up until recently served as a soup factory and logistic center for food manufacturer Vita Pri Hagalil.
The company is investing $2 million (US) into this project. Additionally, it plans to open new retail stores in Israel:
According to Ben & Jerry’s General-Manger Avi Zinger, another retail store is slated to open next month at the new Cinema City in Rishon Lezion, in addition to the one already operating in Glilot.
The company is currently holding negotiations for opening another store in Jerusalem as well. Ben & Jerry’s annual turnover in Israel is estimated at some NIS 30 million (appox. $8 million).
Along with the expansion of production facilities, Ben & Jerry’s is also planning on expanding to 16 ice-cream parlors and selling kiosks. According to Zinger, “Ice-cream parlors have regained momentum in recent years, and we have also returned to full activity.
“Ben & Jerry’s opened its first store in Israel in 1988 and operated 16 branches at its peak. In 2001 it began to close down its stores dew [sic] to losses suffered with the break of the intifada and the era of increased terror attacks [sic!],” Zinger said.
Ben & Jerry’s was sold to conglomerate Unilever in 2000, but is still widely thought of as a progressive company, primarily due to its leadership on sustainable environmental policies.
>> Contact Ben & Jerry’s to let them know you support the call for Boycott!