Who Owns Ben and Jerry's
Ben and Jerry's is a subsidiary of Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in London and Rotterdam. The ice cream brand operates under Unilever's Ice Cream division, which manages a portfolio of frozen dessert brands globally. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded the company in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978, and they remained involved as co-owners and brand ambassadors during the early decades of the business. The founders' original vision centered on a socially responsible, community-focused business model that later shaped the brand's identity under corporate ownership. For a detailed history of the founders and the company's early years, you can read the profile on Forbes Ben and Jerry's story.
Founders and Early Ownership
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978. They financed the startup with a $5 correspondence course from Penn State and a $4,000 loan from a bank. The pair retained significant ownership stakes as the company grew, eventually taking the business public in 1984 through a stock offering that valued the company at around $7 million. Their partnership structure and emphasis on social mission set the brand apart from other ice cream companies during the 1980s and 1990s.
Unilever's Acquisition and Corporate Structure
Unilever acquired Ben and Jerry's in 2000 for approximately $326 million in cash, integrating the brand into its portfolio of food and beverage assets. The acquisition gave Unilever control over the Ben and Jerry's trademark, manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, and franchise operations in the United States and international markets. Under Unilever's ownership, the brand has continued to operate as a distinct line within the company's Ice Cream division, maintaining its flavor names, packaging style, and social mission campaigns. The corporate structure places Ben and Jerry's under the oversight of Unilever's executive leadership while allowing the brand to retain its independent identity and marketing voice. You can review Unilever's corporate structure and financial reports on its official investor page Unilever company information.
Brand Operations Under Unilever
Ben and Jerry's continues to be manufactured in dedicated facilities in the United States, with distribution managed through Unilever's existing retail and food service channels. The brand's product line includes classic flavors, limited-edition collaborations, and non-dairy options under the Ben and Jerry's Non-Dairy sub-brand. Unilever reports the brand's performance as part of its broader Ice Cream segment, which includes other global frozen dessert labels. The company's annual reports and financial filings provide updated revenue and volume data for the Ice Cream division, which includes Ben and Jerry's contributions.
Founders' Current Roles and Legacy
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have stepped back from day-to-day management but remain associated with the brand as co-founders and public faces. Cohen has focused on social activism, including efforts related to cannabis legalization, criminal justice reform, and environmental causes, while Greenfield has engaged in philanthropy and community projects in Vermont. Both founders have participated in campaigns and events that promote Ben and Jerry's social mission, including climate justice, racial equity, and LGBTQ+ rights initiatives. Their ongoing involvement helps maintain the brand's identity as a purpose-driven company within Unilever's larger portfolio. For more on the founders' current activities and the brand's social mission, see the latest coverage on the brand's official corporate page Ben and Jerry's official website.