Tue, 09 Dec 2025

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 Ben & Jerry's brand could be destroyed under Magnum, says co-founder

Ben Cohen was speaking about his concerns for the independence of Ben & Jerry's board.
Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen has stated that the brand will be destroyed if it remains under the ownership of Magnum, its parent company. The comment comes amidst a long-standing dispute between Ben & Jerry's and Magnum/Unilever over the brand's social activism and board independence. Magnum has announced plans to build on Ben & Jerry's "powerful, non-partisan values-based position", but Cohen disputes this, saying that the company is attempting to undermine the brand's core values. He claims that Magnum has no right to determine who serves on the independent board of directors. Cohen also criticized Magnum's CEO for suggesting that the founders are too old and need to step down, stating that this is an attempt to justify selling out the brand's mission. He called for either a new owner who supports the brand's values or for Magnum to change its stance on supporting the current chair of the board. Magnum has responded by saying they respect Ben & Jerry's commitment to social activism, but Cohen remains skeptical, fearing that under current ownership, the brand will lose its loyal following and ultimately collapse.
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