Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Demands Independence from Magnum Ice Cream Co.
As Ben & Jerry's celebrated its annual Free Cone Day on Tuesday, one of the brand's co-founders was focused on a different sort of freedom. On the corner where his first ice cream shop opened in 1978, Ben Cohen called on Ben & Jerry's owner, The Magnum Ice Cream Co., to sell the brand. Cohen argues that Magnum is stifling Ben & Jerry's social activism and wants to see it sold to a group of socially-minded investors.
Allegations of Activism Suppression
Cohen detailed specific instances where he claims Magnum prevented Ben & Jerry's from engaging in social advocacy. "Magnum prevented Ben & Jerry's from putting out a post supporting Black History Month," Cohen said. "(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." He warned that "the longer this goes on, the more they're destroying the brand equity."
Cohen's co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, resigned from the company in September 2025, describing it as a "painful" decision after nearly 50 years with the brand. In his resignation letter, Greenfield lamented the disappearance of Ben & Jerry's independence. Cohen remains a paid employee but stated he has no authority or responsibilities within the company.
Financial and Corporate Context
Cohen estimates that Ben & Jerry's is now worth between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. While he did not name any interested investors, he indicated they are eager to negotiate with Magnum, which is based in Amsterdam. However, Magnum responded on Tuesday with a firm statement: "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."
Tuesday's protest marks Cohen's latest action in a years-long campaign to restore Ben & Jerry's as an independent company. The brand's evolution includes:
- Unilever Acquisition: In 2000, Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's for $326 million (equivalent to $625 million today). Cohen and Greenfield initially believed the partnership would help expand the company's social mission globally, with Unilever agreeing that Ben & Jerry's independent board could pursue causes like racial justice and fair trade.
- Controversy Erupts: In 2021, Ben & Jerry's announced it would stop serving Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and contested east Jerusalem, leading to condemnation from Israel and Unilever distancing itself. Unilever later sold its Israeli business to a local company. In 2024, Ben & Jerry's sued Unilever, accusing it of silencing statements in support of Palestinians and blocking social media posts critical of President Donald Trump.
- Magnum Takes Over: Unilever spun off its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry's, in March 2024 as part of a strategy to focus on health and wellness products. Magnum became an independent company in July 2025 and is now one of the world's largest ice cream companies, owning brands like Breyers and Cornetto.
The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between corporate ownership and the brand's historic commitment to social justice, with Cohen's push for independence reflecting broader concerns about activism in the business world.
