Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Coming To New Zealand

Famous US ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's is coming to New Zealand from early next month, and kiwi fans of the brand should expect a unique experience from its first New Zealand shop.

The company, which sells ice cream, frozen yoghurt and sorbet, confirmed it was opening a store in Central Auckland early December and said it would also be selling some of its range through specific retailers and outlets.

While a spokesperson for the company could not confirm where the first store would be, the company's website appears to have earmarked a location at 160 Ponsonby Road on the corner of Ponsonby and Douglas Street for its first store, with opening hours from 11am to 11pm most days, and 11am to 12am Friday and Saturday.

There will be 18 classic Ben & Jerry's flavours available initially, including Strawberry Cheesecake, Chunky Monkey - banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts, Choc Chip Cookie Dough, and Phish Food - chocolate ice cream with gooey marshmallow swirls, chocolate fish and caramel swirls.

The company is known for its unique store fitouts, claiming that no two shops were alike. One of its shops in São Paulo, Brazil featured a free lending library, and one in Newport is constructed on stilts.

It is the first time the brand has been available in New Zealand, after it launched in Australia in September 2009, and further details would be available from Monday.

The company was advertising for a brand ambassador in the Auckland CBD and surrounding areas on job website Seek last month.

NZ Herald