Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Demands Independence from Owner Magnum Ice Cream Co.
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has publicly called for the ice cream brand to be sold by its current owner, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, to restore its independence. Speaking during the annual Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vermont, Cohen accused Magnum of stifling the company’s social activism, specifically citing blocked posts supporting Black History Month, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and backing student protesters. He argues that this suppression is destroying the brand's equity. Cohen estimates the brand's value between $1.5 billion and $2 billion and seeks socially-minded investors for a buyout. However, Magnum has firmly stated that Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale, reaffirming its commitment to the brand’s three-part mission. This dispute follows years of tension, including a lawsuit against former parent company Unilever over similar issues regarding political speech and operational independence. Jerry Greenfield, the other co-founder, resigned in 2025 citing the loss of independence. The conflict highlights ongoing struggles between corporate ownership structures and the activist identity established by the founders.
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Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Demands Independence from Owner Magnum Ice Cream Co.
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has publicly called for the ice cream brand to be sold by its current owner, The Magnum Ice Cream Company, to restore its independence. Speaking during the annual Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vermont, Cohen accused Magnum of stifling the company’s social activism, specifically citing blocked posts supporting Black History Month, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and backing student protesters. He argues that this suppression is destroying the brand's equity. Cohen estimates the brand's value between $1.5 billion and $2 billion and seeks socially-minded investors for a buyout. However, Magnum has firmly stated that Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale, reaffirming its commitment to the brand’s three-part mission. This dispute follows years of tension, including a lawsuit against former parent company Unilever over similar issues regarding political speech and operational independence. Jerry Greenfield, the other co-founder, resigned in 2025 citing the loss of independence. The conflict highlights ongoing struggles between corporate ownership structures and the activist identity established by the founders.
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