S. Burlington, VT -- May 6, 2002 -- Ben & Jerry’s today announced plans for a $15 million investment in Vermont as part of an overall restructuring of its manufacturing and distribution operations. The actions are intended to streamline production and distribution to make the company more competitive in the global marketplace and solidify the company’s Vermont-based manufacturing operations. Ben & Jerry’s will expand in St. Albans, Vermont, creating up to 55 new jobs. The newly expanded facility will concentrate the company’s manufacturing and distribution operations in St. Albans, with a Quality Center featuring increased freezer and storage capacity to be provided by a distribution partner currently in negotiations with Ben & Jerry’s. The St. Albans plant will also expand its production capabilities.

The Company said it would discontinue operations at its Springfield manufacturing plant and Bellows Falls Distribution Center by the Spring of 2003, transitioning to the expanded St. Albans facility within this period. Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s is actively pursuing options for these sites that will make a positive contribution to those communities. The Company’s manufacturing site in Waterbury, Vermont’s #1 tourist attraction with over 300,000 visitors annually, will continue to operate as a central component of the brand’s marketing initiative.

Yves Couette, President and CEO of Ben & Jerry’s said: “The decision to transition production and distribution to St. Albans comes only after long and careful consideration. After evaluating our manufacturing strategy, we concluded that our Springfield and Bellows Falls facilities do not support our strategic plans for long-term growth. Our commitment to maintaining our manufacturing operations within the state of Vermont is paramount, and the business integration plan we’ve unveiled today solidifies Ben & Jerry’s position as the market’s finest super premium ice cream.” The Ben & Jerry’s Springfield, Vermont, plant, which manufactures bulk ice cream and novelties, employs 90 hourly and salaried employees. An additional 34 employees work at the company’s Bellows Falls Distribution Center. Ben & Jerry’s will offer all Springfield and Bellows Falls employees an opportunity to transfer to other locations or a generous severance package to assist in the transition.

"We are providing a year’s notice of this change in part because we recognize that this will be a difficult time for our people in Springfield and Bellows Falls,” said Couette. “We’re committed to ensuring that all our employees are treated with care by doing all that we can to make the transition as smooth as possible in the months ahead."

The move to St. Albans comes as part of the management team’s plan to locate where there is the agri-economic infrastructure to meet existing and future needs. Proximity to the company’s rBGH-free dairy supplier, the St. Albans Cooperative, and Vermont family farms, was a major site selection factor. Ben & Jerry’s plans to break ground on the project in July of 2002, subject to receiving timely permits and approvals.

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