Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this happening?
Unilever is set to spin off the Magnum Ice Cream Company through an IPO in November 2025. In an open letter addressed to investors and Magnum’s new board on September 9th, the two founders identified multiple recent incidents where Ben & Jerry’s independent board was prevented from speaking out on issues of social justice and equity.
In the year 2000, Ben & Jerry’s was given the freedom to pursue its social mission and live by its values. This was a key condition of the merger agreement, cementing the protection of the company’s autonomy through the formation of an independent board to act as the protector of Ben & Jerry’s social mission, brand integrity, and product quality.
In 2021, the independent board, Ben & Jerry’s management, and Unilever decided to stop sales in the Occupied Palestinian Territory of the West Bank. This decision was then unilaterally overruled by Unilever, usurping the lawful authority of the independent board to protect and advance Ben & Jerry’s social mission.
This led to an immediate legal dispute with Unilever, followed by a settlement, which Unilever was quick to go against. The effect was a process of ongoing lawsuits between the independent board and the parent company, detailing further recent muzzling of Ben & Jerry’s on various issues of advocacy, including Gaza, DEI, free speech, and governance. As a result, the social mission of the brand has been severely
compromised.
What is happening with Magnum?
In 2025, Unilever restructured its ice cream division. The new company, The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC), is slated for an IPO in November 2025. Unfortunately, TMICC is led by the same Unilever executives as before, with a board dominated by current and former Unilever executives — proving that the muzzling will continue.
As Magnum gears up for its IPO, TMICC, its parent company Unilever, and its potential shareholders all must understand that the founders of Ben & Jerry’s believe that the best course of action for the brand and for Magnum is for Ben & Jerry’s to become independent.
Why does this matter?
This period of time in our collective history is marked by strongman politics and the crushing of progressive and liberal values across the globe. And as free speech and tolerance come under threat, companies like Ben & Jerry’s, which were founded on progressive, humanitarian values, must stand up and defend their mission.
Freeing Ben & Jerry’s is a powerful signal that people and companies can still take principled stands and act on their values, rather than being mindless in the pursuit of profit. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream sells best when the brand’s values are preserved and it’s free to express its views authentically.
The time to act is now. If Ben & Jerry’s is silenced, businesses and communities will believe that speaking out has a cost. When Ben & Jerry’s regains its independence, it will prove that values-driven businesses can not only survive, but thrive.
