New York, December 09, 2025
The co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s has issued a stark warning that the iconic ice cream brand faces potential destruction under Magnum, the newly demerged company from Unilever now controlling Ben & Jerry’s, amid ongoing legal and corporate conflicts. This development unfolds as of December 2025, following the separation of Magnum Ice Cream Company from Unilever.
Magnum’s Control and the Demerger Impact
Magnum Ice Cream Company became an independent publicly traded entity in December 2025, inheriting Ben & Jerry’s as part of its portfolio. This transition has intensified a bitter dispute involving the independent Ben & Jerry’s board, originally established by the brand’s founders, and the new corporate hierarchy dominated by Magnum.
Loss of Brand Autonomy and Social Mission
Central to the conflict are concerns voiced by Ben & Jerry’s co-founders who argue that the brand’s progressive social activism—a core element of its identity—is being undermined. They allege that Magnum, continuing Unilever’s prior stance, has censored Ben & Jerry’s statements on critical social issues and blocked involvement in activism such as support for Palestinian refugees and peace initiatives. This constitutes a perceived breach of the autonomy guaranteed to Ben & Jerry’s when it was acquired in 2020.
Legal and Financial Disputes Surrounding the Foundation
Adding to tensions, Magnum has accused the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, a US nonprofit funded by the company, of lacking adequate financial controls and governance structures. Magnum has withheld funding pending resolution of these deficiencies. Contrarily, the foundation and Ben & Jerry’s board maintain that these allegations are pretexts intended to curtail their independence and diminish their influence in social activism.
Founders’ Demand for Restored Autonomy
The original founders have publicly called for their company back, accusing Magnum and formerly Unilever of violating agreements meant to secure Ben & Jerry’s operational freedom and social mission post-acquisition. They emphasize that the brand’s activist-driven values are inseparable from its business model, and insist these principles be preserved.
Broader Market Implications
Magnum—the controlling entity with an expected market share of approximately 20% of the global ice cream sector as a standalone company—cautions that ongoing disputes risk significant reputational damage, potential consumer boycotts, and investor claims. These risks could materially impact Ben & Jerry’s business prospects and the valuation of Magnum itself.
Background and Context
Ben & Jerry’s, founded on a platform of social justice activism, was acquired by Unilever in 2020 under terms that purportedly protected its unique governance structure and social commitments. Over time, conflicts have escalated between the brand’s activist ethos and Unilever’s corporate governance priorities. The demerger creating Magnum Ice Cream Company has transferred control but has not resolved these underlying tensions, instead bringing them into sharper focus.
The dispute at Ben & Jerry’s marks a significant case study in corporate governance and brand integrity, illustrating the challenges of maintaining activist-driven values within large corporate frameworks. How Magnum navigates these controversies will be closely watched by stakeholders across the global business and social advocacy communities.