Franchises can attract customers with social causes

Posted on November 03, 2010 by Stacey Fousse

One of the best ways that franchises can attract new customers is by taking ethical stands against unfair trade practices. For many people in the United States today, it's not enough to simply have a quality product, it is also important to make sure that it was produced in an ethical way.

Ben & Jerry's, known for its flavorful, Vermont-created ice cream, recently announced its plans to obtain all ingredients it uses in its blend from fair trade sources by the end of 2013. The company is known for its past causes and, according to its official website, the Fair Trade movement is something that appealed to its ideals.

"Ben & Jerry's is glad to be a part of the growing Fair Trade movement, which allows socially conscious consumers to have a positive impact on people and communities in the developing world," the company states on its website. "[People] can learn more by visiting the official website of the Fair Trade movement at FairTradeCertified.org."

The co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, Jerry Greenfield, was in the news recently when he visited a college in New Jersey to talk at a business forum. The Jersey City Independent reports the the successful entrepreneur spoke at the 39th annual St. Peter's College Regents Business Symposium.