What's happened
Ben Cohen has called for Ben & Jerry’s to be sold to socially-minded investors, criticizing Magnum Ice Cream Co. for suppressing the brand’s social activism. Cohen, a co-founder, advocates for independence amid ongoing disputes with Unilever, which owns the brand. Magnum states the brand is not for sale.
What's behind the headline?
Ben & Cohen’s campaign highlights tensions between corporate ownership and social activism. Magnum’s assertion that Ben & Jerry’s remains part of its portfolio conflicts with Cohen’s calls for sale, revealing a strategic standoff. The dispute underscores how corporate interests can suppress social missions, risking brand value. Cohen’s push for independence aims to restore the brand’s activist identity, which he believes is vital for its future relevance. The ongoing conflict will likely increase pressure on Unilever to either sell or redefine its relationship with the brand, impacting its global social reputation.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Cohen has criticized Magnum for suppressing social activism, citing specific instances like blocking posts supporting Black History Month and calls for ceasefires. AP News emphasizes Cohen’s advocacy for the brand’s independence and his criticism of Magnum’s censorship. The Independent details Cohen’s long-standing campaign and Magnum’s statement denying the sale, highlighting the ongoing power struggle. All sources agree that Cohen remains committed to restoring Ben & Jerry’s social mission, despite corporate resistance, and that Magnum states the brand is not for sale, maintaining its commitment to the brand’s mission.
How we got here
Ben & Jerry’s has been owned by Unilever since 2000, with the company maintaining its social mission. Recent years have seen conflicts over political stances, including the brand’s decision to stop serving Israeli settlements, which led to legal disputes and a sale of its Israeli business. Cohen has long campaigned for the brand’s independence.
Go deeper
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Unilever is a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company, headquartered in London, United Kingdom and Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Ben Cohen may refer to:
Ben Cohen (bridge) (1907–1971), English bridge player and author
Ben Cohen (businessman) (born 1951), American businessman, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's
Ben Cohen (rugby union) (born 1978), English LGBT activist and ex-rugby unio
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Jerry Greenfield is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is a co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings, Inc.
Green grew up on Long Island. He attended Oberlin College, where he followed a pre-med curriculum before graduating in 1973.