Ben & Jerry's ice cream arrives in Korea

Kalli Swaik, head of Asia and new markets at Ben & Jerry's, speaks at a press conference for launching the ice cream brand in Korea at Ben & Jerry's House set up in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Ben & Jerry's

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Renowned chunk-filled ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has arrived in Korea, and the company said Thursday it seeks to fulfill domestic consumer cravings and promote social values here at the same time.

“Ben & Jerry's is different from other ice cream brands because it has been an active advocate for social justice and equity,” Kalli Swaik, head of Asia and new markets at Ben & Jerry's, said during a press conference in Seoul. “We've been involved in combating climate change, promoting LGBT rights and stopping racism.”

She added the brand is trying to do the same in Korea by building relationships with local change makers, such as climate activist groups and charity organizations.

“In Korea, we've established a partnership with Sarang Ilter to provide work opportunities to the intellectually disabled and vulnerable people,” Swaik said.

Founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first ice-cream shop in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, after taking a $5 course on making ice cream.

Since then, Ben & Jerry's has found success in both domestic and overseas markets by not only promoting well-made ice cream but also stressing how much it cares about ingredients and social values.

Korea is the fifth Asian country to launch the ice cream brand, following Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Ben & Jerry's currently operates in 40 countries.

Regarding the most challenging part of bringing the brand to Korea, she said “importing and exporting dairy is very difficult because every country has different rules and regulations.”

Ben & Jerry's announced it will open a scoop shop some time during the first half of next year and expand its delivery service. It currently operates one delivery shop in Seoul and sells ice cream in GS25 convenience stores.

To drive consumer engagement with the brand, the company will run a pop-up store named Ben & Jerry's House until Oct. 16.

“We want to offer a unique opportunity for our consumers to taste our unique chunks and swirls,” a Ben & Jerry's official said. “We hope millennials enjoy delicious flavors and the entertainment associated with Ben & Jerry's at the store.”

There are four flavors available in Korea ― Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Vanilla and Chunky Monkey.

A pint of ice cream costs 11,600 won ($9.70) while a mini-cup ice cream costs 4,600 won.