Ben & Jerry's founders call for the brand to be ‘freed' from its owners

Core Viewpoint - The co-founders of Ben & Jerry's are advocating for the brand to be made independent from Unilever's plans to list its ice-cream business, expressing concerns over the erosion of the brand's founding values and social mission [1][2][3]. Group 1: Concerns Over Brand Independence - Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have called for Ben & Jerry's to be excluded from Unilever's upcoming stock market listing of its ice-cream division, The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) [1][2]. - The co-founders, despite having no financial interest or formal role, feel compelled to voice their concerns as individuals regarding the brand's future [2]. Group 2: Erosion of Founding Values - The co-founders express deep concern that commitments made to them, employees, and customers are being undermined, particularly regarding the brand's voice on social justice issues [3][5]. - They emphasize that the founding values of Ben & Jerry's are central to its identity and should not be compromised for convenience or political pressure [4]. Group 3: Legal and Operational Conflicts - Ben & Jerry's social mission board has taken legal action against Unilever, alleging attempts to suppress the brand's public statements supporting Palestinian refugees [6][7]. - Unilever has rejected these claims and stated its intention to defend its position vigorously, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two entities [8].