“Ben & Jerry’s Announces Plans for CBD-Infused Frozen Desserts Following Farm Bill Legalization”

“Ben & Jerry’s Announces Plans for CBD-Infused Frozen Desserts Following Farm Bill Legalization”

Since the legalization of hemp cultivation in the recent Farm Bill, manufacturers have been considering the inclusion of CBD, derived from hemp, in their future products. On Thursday, Ben & Jerry’s took a clear and definitive stance on the issue, announcing their intention to create CBD-infused frozen desserts once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration establishes regulations. CEO Matthew McCarthy stated in a written statement that consumer demand for the non-psychoactive compound in ice cream drove this decision. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to promote relaxation. Chris Rivard, the flavor guru at Ben & Jerry’s overseeing the CBD initiative, echoed this sentiment in an interview with Food Dive, emphasizing the company’s innovative and trend-driven approach. “We are not afraid to say that we are exploring this opportunity,” Rivard remarked, hoping it would inspire other companies to follow suit and generate momentum in the industry.

It’s fitting that Ben & Jerry’s, renowned for its strong corporate values and premium flavors—particularly those celebrating hippie culture like Cherry Garcia, Half Baked, and Phish Food—would be the first major food brand to commit to future CBD-infused products. Rivard noted that internal discussions about incorporating CBD had been ongoing for years. As the legalization of CBD became more imminent last year, the brand began seriously considering how to incorporate the substance into ice cream in a “fun and unique” way.

The company shared its plans in a blog post on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of making this announcement ahead of the FDA’s public hearing on CBD regulations. Rivard highlighted that this proactive communication allows consumers to provide feedback to both Ben & Jerry’s and the FDA. Although the brand has made its CBD announcement, many details remain undecided. Rivard mentioned that they have yet to determine the specific flavors and products that will feature CBD or where these products will be available—whether in scoop shops, grocery store freezers, or both. “There’s still a lot of work to be done on our side,” he said.

Currently, much of the planning involves discussions with stakeholders in the hemp and CBD sectors. Rivard stated that the company needs to address supply chain issues, the chemistry of CBD, the effective dosage, and how to incorporate the natural characteristics of CBD and hemp, such as their smell, taste, and color. He acknowledged that working with CBD presents challenges, but prototypes are in the works. However, one aspect that Rivard is certain about is that the hemp used for CBD aligns with the brand’s shared prosperity model, similar to its brownies sourced from a bakery with inclusive hiring practices and cookie dough provided by a supplier offering jobs to refugees. According to the press release regarding their plans, the company is considering sustainably sourced hemp cultivated in Vermont, where the brand is headquartered.

No products will be launched until there are comprehensive federal regulations governing CBD. Despite some individual states potentially allowing food products earlier, Rivard clarified that any food or beverage containing CBD is considered illegal and unsuitable for consumption by Ben & Jerry’s standards. He noted that there has not been extensive research into the use of CBD in food and beverages, and the FDA has not granted the substance “generally recognized as safe” status, meaning it is not federally approved as an ingredient. “For us, it’s crucial that the FDA provides backing,” Rivard emphasized. “From a safety and regulatory standpoint, we are not willing to act against that. The FDA has a reason for existing, and we believe it is important to adhere to those regulations.”

CBD is often hailed as the next significant ingredient in the food and beverage industry. While many small companies focused on creating cannabis-infused products have been actively developing items containing CBD, larger food corporations have approached the ingredient more cautiously. The closest any established manufacturer has come to adopting CBD was when Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put mentioned to CNBC recently that the company is considering adding it to their snacks.

Although the announcement from Ben & Jerry’s did not originate from its parent company, Unilever, Rivard confirmed that the larger corporation is fully aware of and supportive of these plans. Unilever operates over 1,000 brands globally, and Ben & Jerry’s maintains a significant degree of autonomy within that framework, with its own board overseeing innovation and corporate responsibility issues. Rivard and spokesperson Lindsay Bumps indicated that of all the brands under Unilever in the U.S., Ben & Jerry’s is in the best position to venture into the CBD market. “It definitely aligns with what we represent and the culture of our fans, and the fun, indulgent, quirky, premium type of product,” Rivard stated.

With Ben & Jerry’s announcement and the commencement of official federal discussions regarding CBD, Rivard anticipates that more consumer packaged goods companies will soon make definitive commitments to products featuring the substance. Although no representatives from Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever, or other major food companies are scheduled to speak at the hearing, Rivard remains hopeful that discussions will emerge. “I would welcome and hope for that,” he said. “The more conversations we have around it, the more visibility consumers gain, and the more industry officials can consider it, the better we can understand it and find an interesting and creative way to deliver it.”

In the meantime, as consumers await these developments, they may wonder about various health supplements, such as how many mg of calcium citrate per day is optimal for their wellness. Ben & Jerry’s commitment to transparency and consumer engagement will likely extend to educating fans on such health-related queries as they explore the integration of CBD into their product offerings.

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