Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry’s, are calling for the iconic ice cream brand to be “freed” from its corporate obligations as it transitions from Unilever to The Magnum Ice Cream Company due to a de-merger. The founders believe that making Ben & Jerry’s independent again will allow it to return to its roots of standing up for progressive values and social justice.

In an open letter addressed to the company’s board and prospective investors, Cohen and Greenfield express concerns that the brand's founding mission of social justice has been stifled by Unilever in recent years, particularly when they have tried to speak out about social issues. Despite their efforts to uphold their social justice mission within the brand, Greenfield announced that he would be leaving Ben & Jerry’s after nearly 50 years due to ongoing disputes over messaging. The founders emphasize the importance of Ben & Jerry’s authenticity in standing up against injustices and supporting causes beyond profitability.