Ben Cohen demands Ben & Jerry's independence from Unilever's control
- Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, is working to regain control of the brand from Unilever after a contentious corporate relationship.
- The plea follows accusations that Unilever restricted the brand’s political expressions, significantly concerning activism against President Donald Trump.
- Cohen's attempts to re-establish independence come as Unilever prepares to divest its ice cream business, raising questions about the future of Ben & Jerry's social mission.
In early April 2025, Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, launched a bid to reclaim control of the brand from Unilever, its parent company for the last 25 years. The brand, originally established in 1978 in Vermont, was sold to Unilever in 2000, allowing the company to maintain a degree of control over its social mission. However, tensions have escalated in recent years due to Unilever's perceived restrictions on Ben & Jerry's ability to engage in social activism, particularly its criticism of political figures including President Donald Trump. Cohen's efforts to regain ownership are tied to Unilever's plans to spin off its ice cream division, leading to a public outcry over the brand’s progressive stance being stifled by corporate interests. The situation highlights a deeper cultural divide and raised concerns about the company’s future identity as it seeks new investors who align with its social justice values without alienating potential partners who may view such activism as a burden. Cohen expressed the need for Ben & Jerry’s to be set free from Unilever and find a path that aligns with its founding principles, emphasizing the importance of corporate responsibility in social issues.