Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Ben & Jerry’s Founders Clash with New Owners
Ben & Jerry’s, a famous ice cream brand, was bought by a big company called Unilever.
The founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, started the brand with a strong social mission.
Now, they say Unilever and the new owner, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, are trying to stop them from speaking out on important issues.
The founders are upset because they feel their voices are being silenced.
Unilever says they are acting reasonably and want to avoid political controversies.
The founders are continuing to speak out and will challenge the companies at upcoming events.
Ben & Jerry’s founders accuse Unilever and Magnum of silencing their social mission.
Magnum’s stock debut was lower than expected, partly due to the ongoing dispute.
Founders have been vocal about their dissatisfaction since Unilever acquired the brand in 2000.
Ben & Jerry’s halted sales in occupied Palestinian territory in 2021, causing tensions.
Unilever and Magnum aim to distance the brand from political controversies, while founders continue to advocate for their causes.
- Who
- Ben & Jerry’s founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, Unilever, and The Magnum Ice Cream Company
- What
- A dispute over the social mission and direction of Ben & Jerry’s
- When
- Ongoing, with recent escalations in 2024
- Where
- Global, with significant actions in the U.S. and Europe
- Why
- Founders believe Unilever is silencing their social activism, while Unilever aims to distance the brand from political controversies
- Company
- The Magnum Ice Cream Company
- Parent Company
- Unilever
- Founders
- Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield
- Market Share
- More than a fifth of the global market
- Acquisition Year
- 2000
- Acquisition Price
- $326 million
- Controversial Action
- Halting sales in occupied Palestinian territory in 2021
- Current Issue
- Founders accuse Unilever of silencing social mission