Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc.

File:Ben & Jerry's logo.svg Logo used since 2000 acquisition by Unilever
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Food processing
Founded	May 5, 1978 (1978-05-05) in Burlington, Vermont, U.S.
Founder	Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield
Headquarters	South Burlington, Vermont , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Dave Stever (CEO, 2023–2025)
Products	Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet
Parent	Unilever (2000–present)
Website	benjerry.com

Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc., widely known simply as Ben & Jerry's, is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet products. Established in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont, it grew from a single ice cream shop into a global enterprise. In 2000, the company was acquired by the British multinational Unilever but continues to function as an autonomous subsidiary with its headquarters located in South Burlington, Vermont and its principal production facility situated in Waterbury, Vermont.

Ben & Jerry's is celebrated for its creative flavor combinations, frequently featuring chunks of various desserts or food items. Several flavors honor notable personalities such as Jerry Garcia, Stephen Colbert, and Colin Kaepernick. The brand and its founders are distinguished for embedding social activism and political engagement within their corporate philosophy, which shapes their product innovation, marketing strategies, and distribution practices.

Founding

Childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, originally from Merrick, New York, completed an ice cream making correspondence course offered by Pennsylvania State University. Cohen’s inability to perceive odors (anosmia) inspired their hallmark practice of incorporating chunks into their ice cream to enhance texture diversity. With an initial capital of $12,000, they launched their first ice cream shop on May 5, 1978, converting a former gas station in downtown Burlington. The inaugural "free cone day" took place in 1979 and has since become an annual tradition.

By 1980, they began producing packaged ice cream pints at a leased mill facility in Burlington. The company’s first franchised store opened in Shelburne, Vermont in 1981. In 1983, Ben & Jerry's attracted attention by assembling the world’s largest ice cream sundae, weighing more than 27,000 pounds. That same year featured a redesign of their carton cow illustrations by local artist Woody Jackson.

During the mid-1980s, the company was involved in legal disputes with Pillsbury, owner of Häagen-Dazs, over distribution limitations imposed in Boston. In 1985, Ben & Jerry's established the Ben & Jerry's Foundation to support community initiatives by allocating 7.5% of pre-tax profits annually. That year also introduced the "Cowmobile," a traveling promotional vehicle distributing complimentary ice cream across the country.

The famous "Cherry Garcia" flavor was launched in 1987 as an homage to musician Jerry Garcia. This year also marked the opening of their Waterbury manufacturing plant, which produces upwards of 350,000 pints daily and offers guided tours to visitors.

In recognition of their business achievements combined with social contributions, Cohen and Greenfield were honored as U.S. Small Business Persons of the Year by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. That year also saw a partnership with Greyston Bakery to supply brownies for their Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor.

Throughout the early 1990s, Ben & Jerry's actively participated in social advocacy campaigns including collaboration with the Children's Defense Fund focused on children’s welfare issues. Executive leadership transitioned when Robert Holland Jr. was appointed CEO through a public selection process in 1995; he was succeeded by Perry Odak in 1997 following divergent visions for the company.

In 1989, Ben & Jerry's took a public stance against the use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) in dairy farming, reflecting their dedication to sustainable practices and chemical-free ingredients.

In 1994, former CEO Fred "Chico" Lager authored Ben & Jerry's: The Inside Scoop, detailing the company’s growth as a socially conscious business with a brand personality infused with humor.

Acquisition by Unilever

In April 2000, the British multinational food corporation Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry's for $326 million (equivalent to $607 million when adjusted for 2025 inflation). Although both founders remained with the company, they relinquished their day-to-day operational responsibilities; Cohen retained a position on the board.

Jostein Solheim, an executive from Unilever, assumed the role of CEO in 2010, and was followed in 2018 by Matthew McCarthy, another experienced Unilever leader.

By 2019, Ben & Jerry's maintained manufacturing plants located in Saint Albans and Waterbury, Vermont; Hellendoorn, Netherlands; and Be'er Tuvia, Israel.</ref>

Following McCarthy’s retirement, Dave Stever was named CEO on May 15, 2023, but on March 18, 2025, Ben & Jerry's filed a legal claim alleging that Unilever unlawfully removed Stever due to disagreements over social and political activism. This dispute underscored tensions between corporate governance and the company’s brand principles.

Packaging developments

In 2001, Ben & Jerry's U.S. operations adopted "Eco-Pint" packaging made from unbleached paperboard, aiming to create fully biodegradable ice cream containers free from added chlorine. However, challenges related to supply availability, product quality, and costs led to discontinuing Eco-Pints in 2006. Subsequently, the company reverted to using bleached paperboard containers that were more accessible.

Opposition to Arctic drilling

To mark Earth Day in 2005, Ben & Jerry's protested a U.S. Senate decision permitting oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by crafting the largest-ever Baked Alaska, weighing , which was displayed outside the U.S. Capitol Building to highlight environmental concerns.

April Fool's Day campaign

In March 2009, Ben & Jerry's initiated a satirical campaign under the fictional "CyClone Dairy" brand promoting milk sourced from cloned cows. The prank was unveiled on April Fool’s Day with the intention of raising awareness about cloned animal products entering the food supply and advocating for a national tracking system. This initiative reinforced the company’s dedication to transparency and consumer rights.

Commitment to GMO-free products

In 2013, Ben & Jerry's pledged to eliminate genetically modified organisms (GMO) from their products as part of supporting legislation for mandatory GMO labeling.

Sales policy regarding Israel and Palestinian Territories

On July 19, 2021, Ben & Jerry's declared its intention to cease sales in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, citing that Israeli settlements there are considered illegal under international law. The local franchisee since 1987, American Quality Products (AQP), declined to implement this policy. Consequently, Ben & Jerry's opted not to renew AQP's franchise agreement in 2022. This decision sparked concerns about potential violations of anti-BDS statutes in several U.S. states. The announcement from parent company Unilever faced opposition from Ben & Jerry's independent board of directors, who objected to continuing sales in other parts of Israel without their consent.

On June 29, 2022, Unilever sold its Israeli Ben & Jerry's division to AQP, which held exclusive licensing rights for sales within Israel and the Palestinian territories. Ben & Jerry's publicly opposed this transaction, emphasizing that AQP would independently own and operate Ben & Jerry's business in Israel and that profits would no longer flow to the company. They reiterated their stance that selling ice cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territory conflicts with Ben & Jerry's fundamental values.

Complimentary cones

Each year, more than one million cones are handed out during the company's annual "Be One In A Million" Free Cone Day, which plays a significant role in raising funds for various charitable causes. The event often features appearances from local personalities who help raise awareness for the affiliated nonprofits. Occasionally coinciding with Earth Day, the occasion also includes volunteer efforts to facilitate voter registration where permitted.

This event was suspended between 2020 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Farm emissions reduction

In May 2022, Ben & Jerry's introduced 'Mootopia,' a pilot program implemented on 15 supplier farms located in the United States and the Netherlands. The project’s goal is to cut farm emissions intensity to 50% below the US industry average by 2024 by adopting regenerative farming techniques for feed crop production.

Child labor controversy

Despite partnering with Tony's Chocolonely to address child labor issues in chocolate supply chains, Ben & Jerry's came under criticism in early 2023 when investigations revealed that some suppliers employed undocumented migrant children. Cheryl Pinto, who oversees values-driven sourcing, commented that workplaces under supervision were preferable if full-time child labor was unavoidable.

"Progress Comes in Many Flavors" initiative

In July 2024, Ben & Jerry's unveiled the "Progress Comes in Many Flavors" advertising campaign aimed at encouraging progressive social engagement.

Unilever divestiture

On March 19, 2024, Unilever revealed its plan to spin off its ice cream portfolio—including Ben & Jerry's, Cornetto, Magnum, Talenti, and Wall's—and reduce its workforce by 7,500 positions to streamline operations. This separation is projected to be finalized by late 2025.

Claims of censorship and retaliation involving Unilever

In 2025, Ben & Jerry's autonomous board accused Unilever of breaching the company’s independence as established in their 2000 merger agreement. The board alleged that Unilever suppressed social media content supporting Palestinian refugees, First Amendment rights of student demonstrators, and ceasefire initiatives related to the Gaza conflict. Additionally, it claimed Unilever blocked donations to Jewish Voice for Peace and the Council on American–Islamic Relations, censored posts opposing Donald Trump’s second presidential campaign, and retaliated against CEO David Stever by terminating his employment due to his political activism.

Signature flavors and sundaes

By 2013, "Cookie Dough" overtook "Cherry Garcia" as Ben & Jerry's best-selling flavor; by 2020, "Half Baked" was identified as the most popular. Availability differs by region—for instance, "Cherry Garcia" is exclusively available at UK scoop shops.

The "Vermonster," a hallmark sundae offered in scoop shops, features twenty scoops of ice cream paired with numerous toppings and serves as the centerpiece for an annual charity event that awards free ice cream for a year.

The flavor "Chubby Hubby," consisting of vanilla malt ice cream blended with fudge and peanut butter pretzel pieces, was temporarily renamed "Hubby Hubby" in 2009 to mark Vermont’s legalization of same-sex marriage. Similarly, in 2012 the UK-exclusive flavor "Oh! My! Apple Pie!" was rebranded as "Apple-y Ever After" to advocate for marriage equality.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling endorsing same-sex marriage in 2015, "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough" was briefly renamed "I Dough, I Dough," with proceeds supporting LGBT advocacy groups.

Co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have utilized media platforms to promote flavors linked to social causes—for example, "Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream," "Yes Pecan!" which celebrated Barack Obama's 2008 presidential victory with donations to Common Cause Education Fund, and "Late Night Snack," launched on Jimmy Fallon's show.

In 2012, Ben & Jerry's diversified into Greek frozen yogurt with several flavors including those inspired by pop culture icons such as Tina Fey’s character Liz Lemon from 30 Rock.

Responding to consumer demand and advocacy efforts, the company began offering vegan options starting in 2015. By early 2016, four vegan flavors were introduced—including dairy-free versions of popular selections—and the range expanded further with additional non-dairy varieties through 2018 and beyond. The brand continues to encourage suggestions for new plant-based flavors.

October 2018 saw the release of a limited-edition flavor called "Pecan Resist," tied to a political campaign opposing the Trump administration. Proceeds included a $25,000 donation supporting organizations dedicated to women’s rights, immigrant advocacy, climate action, and racial equity.

Commercial

The Center for Science in the Public Interest contested Ben & Jerry's use of the term "all natural" on their ice cream packaging, citing ingredients such as corn syrup and alkalized cocoa as contradictory to that claim. As a result, by September 2010, the company discontinued labeling its ice cream and frozen yogurt products with "all natural" descriptors.

In 2011, Ben & Jerry's introduced the flavor Schweddy Balls, inspired by a Saturday Night Live sketch. This launch prompted objections from One Million Moms, a conservative Christian advocacy group, who argued that the flavor name was inappropriate for retail environments. Despite this, some consumers appreciated the humor behind the name and actively sought out the product. Actor Alec Baldwin, featured in the original skit, responded to the backlash by promoting a counter-flavor called "Go Fudge Yourself," emphasizing the brand’s deliberate use of pop culture references to connect with its audience.

Political

Ben & Jerry's has consistently incorporated sociopolitical efforts into its corporate ethos and business approach. In the early 2000s, co-founder Ben Cohen endorsed a petition supporting due process in Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case, clarifying the company’s stance amid public debate.

From 2005 to 2008, the company collaborated with polar explorer Marc Cornelissen and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to establish the Climate Change College, aimed at empowering youth climate advocates. In 2006, the release of a flavor named "Black and Tan" generated controversy in Ireland due to its connection with a British paramilitary group, illustrating challenges related to cultural sensitivities in international markets.

Ben & Jerry's encountered criticism over its Israeli franchise's sales within West Bank settlements, leading to campaigns by Vermonters for a Just Peace in Palestine/Israel and gaining backing from more than 230 organizations worldwide calling for an end to commercial activities in those territories.

The company has also engaged in environmental activism, such as participating in Australia’s 2014 "Fight for the Reef" campaign to protect the Great Barrier Reef, despite skepticism from government officials about its claims. In 2017, Ben & Jerry's took an unusual political stance in Australia by refusing to serve two scoops of identical flavors as a means of pressuring lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage.

In Europe, the brand advocated for Afghan asylum seekers’ rights in Sweden in 2018, attracting political criticism. Additionally, Ben & Jerry's has incorporated activism into its marketing through limited-edition flavors like "Pecan Resist" (2018), which opposed former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In 2020, Ben & Jerry's joined the "#StopHateForProfit" initiative by halting Facebook and Instagram advertisements in the United States, urging social media platforms to address hate speech more effectively. That same year, it openly supported migrants crossing the English Channel, provoking varied responses from politicians and media regarding its corporate social responsibility.

Following the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021, Ben & Jerry's publicly called for President Trump's resignation and impeachment via social media channels, continuing its pattern of political involvement. In 2022, it criticized U.S. President Joe Biden's Ukraine policy and rebranded its cold brew coffee flavor as "Change is Brewing," encouraging Black voter turnout through support of Black Voters Matter.

Most recently, in January 2024, the chairperson of Ben & Jerry's board issued a call for an immediate ceasefire amid the Israeli invasion of Gaza. In March 2025, Ben & Jerry's initiated a federal lawsuit against its parent company Unilever, accusing it of terminating CEO David Stever due to his endorsement of the company's sociopolitical initiatives—particularly those opposing military aid to Israel and supporting campus protests—highlighting internal conflicts over political expression within its corporate hierarchy.

Sales in the West Bank

On July 19, 2021, Ben & Jerry's revealed its intention to cease sales within the Occupied Palestinian Territory, an area where Israeli settlements are deemed illegal by international standards. The company announced it would not renew its franchise agreement with Ben & Jerry's Israel—the local franchise holder since 1987—due to their refusal to comply with this decision. However, Ben & Jerry's confirmed that sales in Israel would persist under a separate arrangement while addressing concerns from customers and business partners.

This announcement provoked a variety of responses. USA Today described it as a significant condemnation of Israel’s settlement activities. Conversely, Israeli officials condemned the action; foreign minister Yair Lapid characterized it as "a disgraceful capitulation to anti-Semitism" and the BDS campaign. Pro-Palestinian organizations praised the company's stance.

The situation also raised potential legal issues related to US anti-boycott regulations. On August 3, 2021, Florida governor Ron DeSantis included Unilever, Ben & Jerry's parent company, on a list of firms boycotting Israel. Subsequently, Arizona and New Jersey launched divestment efforts targeting Unilever later that year.

By June 2022, Unilever agreed to transfer its Israeli business operations to Ben & Jerry's Israeli franchise under conditions permitting product sales in both Israel and the West Bank, featuring Hebrew and Arabic packaging. On July 5, Ben & Jerry's filed a lawsuit against Unilever to prevent the transaction, citing concerns over brand integrity and conflicts arising from selling products in the occupied West Bank. The two parties eventually consented to mediation.

In November 2024, Ben & Jerry's initiated another lawsuit against Unilever, accusing the company of obstructing its initiatives supporting Palestinian refugees and intimidating its board members over these matters.

Social

In February 2012, a Ben & Jerry's franchise located near Harvard University introduced a limited-edition frozen yogurt flavor called "Taste the Lin-Sanity," celebrating Asian-American basketball player and Harvard alumnus Jeremy Lin. This original flavor combined vanilla frozen yogurt with lychee honey swirls and fortune cookie pieces. The use of fortune cookies sparked controversy due to perceived racial stereotyping, prompting their replacement with waffle cookies following customer complaints and product returns. The general manager for Ben & Jerry's Boston and Cambridge emphasized that there was no intent to offend and noted predominantly positive reactions. The company issued an official apology to those who felt offended.

In September 2014, activists opposing hazing criticized the ice cream flavor "Hazed & Confused" for seemingly downplaying issues related to hazing and bullying. Ben & Jerry's clarified that the name was a pun involving "hazelnut" as well as cultural references to Led Zeppelin’s song and the 1993 film Dazed and Confused. After evaluation, the company decided against renaming the product.

In 2018, migrant workers attempting to reach Ben & Jerry's executives in Waterbury, Vermont were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities.

Following the 2020 protests triggered by George Floyd’s killing, Ben & Jerry's publicly called on Americans to dismantle white supremacy and address historical injustices. The company subsequently endorsed the "Defund the Police" movement as part of its commitment to social justice.

In 2023, Ben & Jerry's faced criticism after posting a July 4 Independence Day message asserting that the United States was founded on "stolen Indigenous land" and advocating for Mount Rushmore’s return to the Lakota people. This statement led to stock price declines and calls for boycotts. In response, the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation expressed interest in purchasing Ben & Jerry's Vermont headquarters, situated on traditional Abenaki territory.

Wages

Ben & Jerry's implemented a compensation policy that restricted the pay disparity between the highest and lowest earners to a maximum factor of five. In 1995, the starting wage for entry-level employees was $12 per hour, whereas the top executive, President and COO Chuck Lacy, received an annual salary of $150,000. This approach to wage ratio was discontinued in 1994 following the departure of CEO Ben Cohen and the ensuing executive search.

See also

• List of ice cream parlor chains
• Baskin-Robbins
• Häagen-Dazs

Further reading

• Criswell, Ann. "Ben & Jerry's embraces social causes". Houston Chronicle. June 24, 1992.
• Edmondson, Brad. Ice Cream Social: The Struggle for the Soul of Ben & Jerry’s. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2014.
• Lager, Fred "Chico". Ben & Jerry's: The Inside Scoop. New York: Crown Publishers, 1994.
• Wieder, Tamara. "Coneheads". The Boston Phoenix. August 8–14, 2003. Interview featuring founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield.