Ben & Jerry’s in 2025 – Founders Clash with Unilever Over Brand’s Social Mission
In 2025, Ben & Jerry’s, the iconic ice cream brand known for its bold flavors and bold values, is facing a leadership crisis. Co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned after 47 years, citing a breakdown in the company’s ability to speak out on social issues—a core part of its identity since day one.
Founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, Ben & Jerry’s built its reputation on:
Creative flavors like “Cherry Garcia” and “Phish Food”
Advocacy for racial equality, climate justice, and LGBTQ+ rights
Transparent sourcing and fair trade practices
Even after its acquisition by Unilever in 2000, the brand maintained a unique governance structure to protect its social mission.
That independence is now in question. In recent years, Ben & Jerry’s has clashed with Unilever over:
Its decision to halt sales in Israeli-occupied territories
Public statements on Gaza, which the company called “genocide”
Support for Black History Month and Palestinian causes
Greenfield’s resignation letter, posted by Cohen, accused Unilever of silencing the brand “for fear of upsetting those in power”.
Ben Cohen remains active and vocal. He staged a protest in London, demanding that Unilever “free Ben & Jerry’s” and allow it to operate independently. Cohen has proposed selling the brand to values-driven investors, estimating its worth at up to $2.5 billion.
Ben & Jerry’s has filed lawsuits against Unilever, claiming breach of contract. The parent company is now spinning off its ice cream brands—including Ben & Jerry’s—into a new entity called the Magnum Ice Cream Company, set to go public in November.
Unilever insists it supports the brand’s mission, but critics say its actions tell a different story.
Ben & Jerry’s is more than ice cream—it’s a cultural institution built on activism and integrity. In 2025, that legacy is being tested. With Jerry Greenfield stepping away and Ben Cohen fighting from within, the future of the brand depends on whether it can reclaim its voice in a corporate world that often values profit over principle.
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