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

Cohen wants socially-minded investors to buy the iconic ice cream company from Magnum Ice Cream Co.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring premium ice cream-making objects like a metal scoop, chocolate syrup, and pint containers, symbolizing the high-quality and socially responsible nature of the Ben & Jerry's brand.The fight for Ben & Jerry's independence reflects the brand's enduring commitment to social activism, even as it navigates changing corporate ownership.Burlington Today

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, is calling on the brand's current owner, Magnum Ice Cream Co., to sell the company 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 and the Gaza ceasefire. Ben & Jerry's other co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, resigned in 2025, citing the loss of the brand's independence.

Why it matters

Ben & Jerry's was founded on a mission of social responsibility and activism, which has been a key part of the brand's identity and appeal. Cohen believes Magnum's ownership is undermining this core aspect of the business, and he wants to see the company returned to socially-minded leadership that can preserve its progressive values.

The details

Cohen says Ben & Jerry's is now worth between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, and there are investors interested in buying the brand from Magnum, which acquired it in 2000 when Unilever bought the company. However, Magnum has stated that Ben & Jerry's is not for sale. Cohen has been campaigning for years to make Ben & Jerry's independent again, ever since Unilever's acquisition and the subsequent tensions over the brand's social mission.

  • Ben & Jerry's celebrated its annual Free Cone Day on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned from the company in September 2025.
  • Unilever sold its Israeli business, including Ben & Jerry's, to a local company in 2022.
  • Ben & Jerry's sued Unilever in 2024, accusing it of silencing the brand's statements in support of Palestinians.
  • Unilever announced the spinoff of its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry's, in March 2024.

The players

Ben Cohen

Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream company, who is calling for the brand to be sold to socially-minded investors.

Jerry Greenfield

Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's who resigned from the company in September 2025, calling it a 'painful' decision after nearly 50 years with the brand.

Magnum Ice Cream Co.

The current owner of Ben & Jerry's, which acquired the brand in 2000 when Unilever bought the company.

Unilever

The London conglomerate that acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000 for $326 million.

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What they’re saying

“'Magnum prevented Ben & Jerry's from putting out a post supporting Black History Month. (Ben & Jerry's) wanted to come out with a post calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Magnum prevented that. We wanted to support the student protesters. Magnum wouldn't allow that.'”

— Ben Cohen, Co-founder, Ben & Jerry's

“'The longer this goes on, the more they're destroying the brand equity.'”

— Ben Cohen, Co-founder, Ben & Jerry's

“'Ben & Jerry's is a proud and thriving part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company. We remain fully committed to the Ben & Jerry's model and its three-part mission — product, economic and social.'”

— Magnum Ice Cream Co.

What’s next

Cohen says he and a group of socially-minded investors are eager to talk to Magnum about purchasing the Ben & Jerry's brand, but Magnum has stated the company is not for sale.

The takeaway

This dispute over Ben & Jerry's social mission and independence highlights the tensions that can arise when a purpose-driven brand is acquired by a larger corporation. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of Ben & Jerry's iconic brand and its commitment to progressive causes.