Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the iconic duo behind Ben & Jerry’s, have long been celebrated not only for creating one of America’s most beloved ice cream brands but also for embedding a strong social mission into their business model. As of September 2025, the story of the founders has taken a dramatic turn. Jerry Greenfield has officially resigned, stepping away from the company he co-created nearly five decades ago, citing conflicts with parent company Unilever over the brand’s independence and commitment to activism.
This development has cast new light on the enduring legacy of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, raising questions about how the company will carry forward its values in a changing corporate landscape.
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A Legacy That Began in Vermont
The journey of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield started in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978, when two childhood friends turned a renovated gas station into a small ice cream parlor. Their unconventional approach—offering creative flavors with chunky ingredients and a spirit of fun—quickly set them apart. Beyond the ice cream, the founders believed that business could be a force for good, weaving activism and progressive values into the brand’s DNA.
For decades, the name Ben & Jerry’s became synonymous with both indulgence and conscience. Campaigns on climate change, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and fair trade turned the brand into a cultural touchstone in the United States. That mission-driven identity is what many loyal fans say keeps them reaching for the pint.
The 2000 Unilever Acquisition
In 2000, Ben & Jerry’s was acquired by Unilever in a deal worth roughly $326 million. At the time, concerns were raised about whether the brand could maintain its independence and social mission under the umbrella of a multinational corporation. To ease those concerns, the merger agreement included provisions that gave the Ben & Jerry’s independent board power to protect the company’s mission-driven initiatives.
For years, this structure seemed to preserve the brand’s unique voice, allowing Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield to remain involved in advocacy while Unilever managed broader corporate operations. But the balance would eventually come under strain.
Rising Tensions Over Social Issues
The friction between the founders and Unilever became increasingly visible in recent years. Ben & Jerry’s took public stances on controversial issues—including the decision to halt ice cream sales in Israeli-occupied territories—which ignited global debates and pressure on Unilever.
According to Jerry Greenfield, the promise of independence began to unravel as the parent company increasingly interfered with or diluted the brand’s activism. While Unilever insisted that it supported the company’s values, Greenfield argued that the corporate giant prioritized profits and market stability over speaking out on justice and human rights.
Jerry Greenfield’s Resignation
In September 2025, Jerry Greenfield announced he could no longer remain with Ben & Jerry’s. In a strongly worded statement, he said the brand had lost its ability to act freely on the very causes that defined it. After 47 years, the co-founder’s departure was more than symbolic—it signaled the deep rift between the company’s mission and the corporate oversight of its parent.
Ben Cohen, though not resigning, voiced support for his longtime business partner. He amplified Greenfield’s concerns, sharing the resignation message publicly and urging Unilever to “free Ben & Jerry’s” from restrictive control. Together, the two founders have called for a separation of the brand from Unilever’s ice cream division, which is preparing to spin off into a new company known as The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC).
Why the Conflict Matters
The resignation of Jerry Greenfield is not just about one man stepping down. It is about the broader struggle between corporate power and brand authenticity. For U.S. customers and investors, the issue boils down to whether Ben & Jerry’s can continue to represent progressive activism while owned by a multinational conglomerate.
Three major implications stand out:
- Brand Identity at Risk: Without the founders’ guiding influence, many worry that Ben & Jerry’s could lose its activist voice.
- Investor Scrutiny: As TMICC prepares for its stock market listing, investors will closely watch how Ben & Jerry’s fits into the structure and whether its independence is respected.
- Corporate Precedent: This case could influence how future acquisitions of mission-driven companies are structured, raising questions about whether social goals can survive under big business.
Ben Cohen’s Continuing Role
Although Jerry Greenfield has stepped down, Ben Cohen remains an active advocate. He has joined Greenfield in pushing for greater autonomy for the company and has called on Unilever to honor the spirit of the original merger agreement. Cohen has emphasized that without independence, the brand risks losing what made it special in the first place: its willingness to speak truth to power, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Looking Back on the Founders’ Impact
The story of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield is deeply woven into American culture. Their ability to turn a quirky idea into a global brand while holding firm to a social mission is rare in the business world. Their work demonstrated that it is possible to run a profitable company without abandoning values.
From campaigns for marriage equality to bold calls for criminal justice reform, Ben & Jerry’s often led where few other corporations dared to go. That legacy remains powerful, even as the company enters uncertain territory without both founders at the helm.
What’s Next for Ben & Jerry’s?
The future of Ben & Jerry’s will depend on how Unilever and TMICC navigate the transition. Customers in the United States will be watching to see whether the brand continues to engage on social issues or whether it becomes just another ice cream label under corporate control.
Some analysts believe that the departure of Jerry Greenfield could increase pressure on Unilever to reach a compromise—perhaps allowing greater independence or even exploring a buyback of the brand by its original board. Others argue that financial considerations will override these discussions, making it unlikely that the brand will regain its former freedom.
Closing Thoughts
The chapter of Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield working side by side within Ben & Jerry’s has closed, but the debate they sparked is far from over. Their story highlights the tension between activism and corporate power, a theme that resonates widely across the U.S. business landscape.
As fans dig into their favorite flavors, the question remains: will Ben & Jerry’s stay true to its roots, or will the values that made it unique melt away under corporate oversight? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Should Ben & Jerry’s regain its independence, or can it still thrive under Unilever’s control? Share your perspective in the comments below.