dailyloe.com – In May 2026, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, raised concerns following ownership changes at the ice cream brand. The company was sold to Unilever in 2000 for $326 million, with a critical promise to maintain an independent board to uphold its social mission.
This arrangement lasted over two decades until January 1, 2026, when Magnum, the ice cream conglomerate formed from Unilever, removed all independent directors except for one. The independent board subsequently filed a lawsuit, claiming this action breached the original merger agreement.
The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation joined the lawsuit as Magnum ceased providing approved funding, as reported by Vermont Business Magazine. Greenfield expressed his discontent, stating, “We’re turning up the heat,” in a comment to the New York Times.
Greenfield has urged Magnum to divest Ben & Jerry’s to an investor group aligned with its values. He has threatened to boycott Magnum products, which include Breyers, Klondike, and Talenti, if his demands are not met.
The core of the dispute revolves around the governance structure established in the 2000 sale agreement. Unilever had committed that Ben & Jerry’s would maintain an independent board dedicated to its social mission and brand integrity.
Both Cohen and Greenfield expressed hope that under Unilever’s ownership, Ben & Jerry’s would enhance its societal contributions. Magnum, however, contends that it acted within its legal rights, asserting that the removed directors were rendered ineligible due to term limits and alleged misconduct.
