Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's is an American ice cream company founded in 1978 by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in Burlington, Vermont. The company began with a single ice cream parlor and expanded rapidly, becoming known for its unique flavors and commitment to social activism. In 2000, Ben & Jerry's was acquired by Unilever, a British multinational consumer goods company. Despite the acquisition, Ben & Jerry's operates as an independent subsidiary, maintaining its brand identity and social mission. Unilever, headquartered in London, England, is a global leader in consumer goods, owning a wide range of brands across various sectors. As of 2025, Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry's, to focus on other brands. This move is expected to be completed by the end of the year, allowing Ben & Jerry's to continue its operations with greater autonomy. The company has faced challenges in balancing its social activism with corporate interests, notably filing a lawsuit against Unilever in 2025 over alleged interference with its social mission. Despite these challenges, Ben & Jerry's remains committed to its values, including environmental sustainability and social justice, and continues to produce its ice cream in multiple countries worldwide.