Could this be the start of something big? 

Ben & Jerry’s has dumped its e-mail newsletter because customers have a new favorite flavor: interacting with the company through social media channels.

Customers are now encouraged to scoop up info about Ben & Jerry’s via Twitter or Facebook.

And that’s not all:

In forsaking e-mail, ice cream fans are being provided with more opportunities to interact with the company’s social media sites through mobile channels.

For example: The company has created a “Scoop of Happiness” iPhone app.

When someone points their iPhone camera at a preferred product — say, New York Super Fudge Chunk — they’re taken by “Moo Vision” on a virtual tour of New York.

Here’s how it works: The user’s iPhone reads the product’s barcode which then generates a link to the Moo Vision site.

New York City adventurers are then encouraged to offer feedback on their virtual tours via the company’s Facebook, Twitter and regular web pages.

Do you think other companies will start to mimic this marketing strategy? Share your opinions in the Comments Box below.

Tags: barcode, Ben & Jerry's, e-mail, Facebook, iphone, mobile, moo vision, newsletter, scoop of happiness, social media, Twitter