Ben & Jerry’s, a beloved ice cream brand, is currently under the ownership of Unilever, which is in the process of spinning out its ice cream division into an independent entity known as The Magnum Ice Cream Company. This significant transition precedes an anticipated initial public offering (IPO) later this year.
In a recent letter, co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield expressed concerns that Unilever’s ownership has diluted the “social values on which the business was founded.” This sentiment highlights their ongoing commitment to social responsibility.
While The Magnum Ice Cream Company is set to operate independently, it is expected that Unilever will maintain a substantial stake, thus influencing the brand’s future direction.
In November 2024, Ben & Jerry’s initiated legal action against Unilever, alleging that it suppressed the brand’s efforts to advocate for Palestinian rights and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This lawsuit ties into wider allegations, as Israel faces accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza from numerous human rights organizations and scholars. The Ben & Jerry’s board has also condemned the actions. Moreover, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Moving forward, Cohen and Greenfield aim to rally a coalition of stakeholders and supporters to advocate for a reexamination of Ben & Jerry’s role within The Magnum Ice Cream Company’s future plans. Their efforts underscore a commitment to the brand’s founding values.
Cohen further demonstrated his dedication by picketing outside The Magnum Ice Cream Company’s Capital Markets Day in London on 9 September.
“Ben & Jerry’s was founded on a simple but radical premise: that our business could thrive and make outstanding products whilst standing up for progressive values,” Cohen remarked.
“We fought to ensure our social justice mission was protected by Unilever when the company was acquired, but over the past several years, this has been eroded, and the company’s voice has been muted. We won’t be silent anymore.”
“Authenticity has always been at the very heart of what we do, and stripping this away risks destroying the very value of Ben & Jerry’s. We urge the board and potential investors to rethink the inclusion of Ben & Jerry’s in Magnum’s future make-up and establish a Free Ben & Jerry’s.”
In response, a spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company stated, “Ben & Jerry’s is a proud part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company and is not for sale. We remain committed to Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission – product, economic, and social – and look forward to building on its success as an iconic, much-loved business.”
