How Does Baskin Robbins Support Israel? 2024 Insights

Israel’s tech sector is booming, global boycotts are trending on TikTok, and ice cream lovers are asking: Does Baskin Robbins support Israel? The question seems simple, but the answer is anything but. In this article, we’ll explore Baskin-Robbins’ business ties, grassroots campaigns targeting the brand, and what it means for consumers in 2024. Let’s break down the facts—no sprinkles, just the scoop.

Does Baskin Robbins Support Israel? The Short Answer

Baskin-Robbins operates 23 franchise locations in Israel as of 2024, according to its parent company Inspire Brands’ global directory. However, the company has not publicly endorsed Israeli policies or donated to pro-Israel organizations. The controversy stems from its presence in Israel and its parent company’s broader business ties.

Here’s where things get sticky:

• Franchise Model ≠ Corporate Policy: Baskin-Robbins licenses local owners to run stores, much like McDonald’s or Starbucks. This means individual franchises pay fees to the parent company but operate independently.
• Parent Company Ties: Inspire Brands (which owns Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’, and Sonic) has faced scrutiny for its investments in Israel. In 2023, pro-Palestinian activists highlighted Inspire’s partnership with an Israeli tech firm to optimize delivery logistics.

Why Baskin-Robbins is in the Boycott Spotlight

The BDS movement has not officially targeted Baskin-Robbins, but grassroots campaigns have linked it to Israel’s economy. Here’s why:

1. The Franchise Factor

While Baskin-Robbins doesn’t directly manage Israeli stores, franchise fees flow back to Inspire Brands. A 2024 report by WhoProfits, a nonprofit tracking corporate ties to occupation, notes that multinational parent companies often benefit from franchise operations in contested regions.

2. TikTok Activism Goes Viral

In late 2023, hashtags like #BoycottBaskinRobbins gained traction after users shared maps of Israeli franchise locations. One viral post claimed, “Your mint chocolate chip funds settlements,” though no evidence links franchise profits to military activities.

3. The Dunkin’ Connection

Critics argue that Inspire Brands’ ownership of Dunkin’—which has 56 stores in Israel—creates indirect support. However, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins operate as separate entities under the parent company.

Baskin-Robbins’ Response to Boycott Calls

Baskin-Robbins has not issued a formal statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, Inspire Brands’ 2023 ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) report emphasizes neutrality:

“We focus on joy, not politics. Our brands serve all communities without taking sides in global conflicts.”

But here’s the twist: Neutrality itself is controversial. Pro-BDS advocates argue that operating in Israel normalizes occupation, while free-market proponents claim boycotts unfairly punish local franchise owners.

Boycotts in Action: Does Avoiding Baskin-Robbins Make a Difference?

Let’s look at the data:

• 2023 Sales Impact: Despite boycott calls, Baskin-Robbins’ global revenue grew 4% in 2023 (Inspire Brands FY2023 report).
• Localized Effects: In Malaysia and Indonesia, where public support for Palestine is strong, three franchises closed in 2024 after social media campaigns.

The Bigger Picture: Single-brand boycotts rarely cripple multinational corporations. For context, even the McDonald’s boycott over Israel has had mixed results, with sales dipping 1.2% in Muslim-majority countries but rising globally.

Ethical Ice Cream? The Consumer Dilemma

Is it fair to boycott Baskin-Robbins? Let’s weigh both sides:

The Case for Boycotts

• Symbolic Power: Grassroots campaigns raise awareness. As noted by Dalia Nassar, a Palestinian-American activist, “Boycotts aren’t just about money—they’re about moral clarity.”
• Corporate Accountability: Inspire Brands’ tech partnership with Israel (even if unrelated to Baskin-Robbins) ties the parent company to the region.

The Case Against Boycotts

• Local Harm: Israeli franchise owners employ over 300 workers, many of whom are Palestinian or Arab-Israeli.
• Complex Supply Chains: Baskin-Robbins sources ingredients like vanilla from Madagascar and cocoa from West Africa—not Israel.

How to Make an Informed Choice

1. Follow the Money: Less than 0.5% of Inspire Brands’ revenue comes from Israel (2023 annual report).
2. Research Alternatives: Pro-BDS groups recommend Ben & Jerry’s (which stopped sales in occupied territories in 2022) or local ice cream shops.
3. Amplify Voices: Share verified info from groups like the BDS Movement or Jewish Voice for Peace.

Summary

Baskin-Robbins’ Israeli franchises don’t equate to direct support for government policies, but the brand’s parent company undeniably benefits from its global reach. Whether to boycott depends on your stance: Is any presence in Israel unacceptable, or should the focus be on companies directly tied to occupation?

Want to dig deeper? 

1. Inspire Brands Global Directory
2.  WhoProfits 2024 Report
3.  Inspire Brands ESG Report 2023
4.  Inspire Brands FY2023 Report
5.  BDS Movement Official Site
6.  Ben & Jerry’s 2022 Announcement
7. Jewish Voice for Peace