Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Calls for Brand's Independence

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Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, is calling for the iconic ice cream brand to be sold by its current owner, Magnum Ice Cream Co., to a group of socially-conscious investors. Cohen claims Magnum has stifled Ben & Jerry's social activism, preventing the company from making posts supporting causes like Black History Month, the Gaza conflict, and student protesters. Cohen believes Ben & Jerry's is now worth between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, but Magnum says the brand is not for sale.

Why it matters

Ben & Jerry's was founded on a mission of social responsibility and progressive activism, which has been a key part of the brand's identity and appeal. Cohen's push for independence reflects concerns that Magnum's ownership has compromised those values and undermined the company's ability to take public stances on important social issues.

The details

Ben Cohen, who co-founded Ben & Jerry's in 1978, is calling for the company to be sold by its current owner, Magnum Ice Cream Co., to a group of socially-conscious investors. Cohen claims Magnum has prevented Ben & Jerry's from making posts in support of causes like Black History Month, the Gaza conflict, and student protesters, stifling the brand's long-standing social activism. Cohen believes Ben & Jerry's is now worth between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, but Magnum says the brand is not for sale.

• Ben & Jerry's celebrated its annual Free Cone Day on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
• Ben & Jerry's other co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, resigned from the company in September 2025.

What’s next

Cohen said he and other interested investors are eager to talk to Magnum about purchasing the Ben & Jerry's brand, but Magnum has stated that the company is not for sale.