SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT -- July 19, 1999 -- Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., (NASDAQ Symbol: BJICA) today reported financial results for the Company's second quarter ended June 26, 1999.

Consolidated net sales for the quarter ended June 26, 1999 increased by 16% to $68,172,000 compared to $58,749,000 for the same period in 1998. Net income for the quarter increased 51% and totaled $3,214,000 as compared to net income of $2,130,000 for the same period in 1998. Diluted net income per common share was $0.42 in the second quarter of 1999 compared to diluted net income per common share of $0.28 in the second quarter of 1998.

Consolidated net sales for the first six months of 1999 increased by 18% to $118,237,000 compared to 1998 sales for the same period of $100,305,000. Net income increased 76% and was $4,410,000 for the first six months of 1999, compared to $2,510,000 for the first six months of 1998. Diluted net income per common share for the first six months of 1999 was $0.58 compared to $0.33 for the first six months of 1998.

The Company's profitability improved over last year's second quarter due primarily to an increase in net sales and improvement in its gross profit margin. The increase in net sales was driven by strong domestic growth in the Company's core pint business as well as a significant increase in net sales in the United Kingdom. The Company's gross profit margin increased to 40.5% as compared to 36.0% in the same period last year. Improvements in gross profit margin are primarily the result of decreases in dairy prices, improved distribution cost structure, and improved efficiencies in the plant.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 27.4% as compared to last year's second quarter and increased as a percentage of net sales to 33.3% from 30.3%. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses primarily reflects increased marketing and selling expenses related to the Company's earlier restructuring of its distribution system and increased radio advertising. In addition, the Company is investing more heavily in its international operations, most notably in the United Kingdom, Japan and Israel (where the Company made the previously disclosed majority equity investment), in order to capitalize on further opportunities to grow its ice cream sales outside the United States. Selling, general and administrative expenses also reflect increased salaries, recruiting and training expenses related to building more infrastructure to manage its business.

Ben & Jerry's also kicked off a summer radio advertising campaign in 24 major markets in the second quarter. Other marketing initiatives include scoop trucks on the road in five markets, in-store activities including sampling, and grass roots sponsorships and donations.

Ben & Jerry's new products introduced in 1999 have performed well in the second quarter with three new pint flavors ranking in the Company's top twenty flavors based on sales rates. Triple Caramel Chunk led the way, ranking in Ben & Jerry's top 10 flavors in June. Southern Pecan Pie, the first of three limited edition flavors in a "Special Batch" program was met with broad approval from consumers. Marble Mint Chunk, the next flavor in this program, will began shipping early in the third quarter and is expected to receive the same enthusiastic consumer response. Also debuting to rave reviews-Ben & Jerry's S'mores novelty, a stickless bar, which ranked second in Ben & Jerry's top 10 novelty flavor ranking in June.

Ben & Jerry's produces a wide variety of superpremium ice cream, ice cream novelties, low fat ice cream, low fat yogurt and sorbet, using Vermont dairy products, Vermont Pure Spring Water, and high quality, all natural ingredients. Ben & Jerry's products are distributed nationwide and in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised and company-owned Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues.

	Thirteen weeks ended		For the Twenty-six weeks ended
	Jun 26, 1999	Jun 27, 1998	Jun 26, 1999	Jun 27, 1998
Net sales	$68,172	$58,749	$118,237	$100,305
Gross profit	27,617	21,153	45,705	35,117
Selling, general & administrative expense	22,728	17,827	39,374	31,250
Operating income	4,889	3,326	6,332	3,867
Other income	55	2	454	55
Income before income taxes	4,944	3,328	6,785	3,922
Net income	3,214	2,130	4,411	2,510
Earnings per share - diluted	$0.42	$0.28	$0.58	$0.33
Shares outstanding - diluted	7,628	7,546	7,590	7,498