Ben & Jerry's founder Ben Cohen has accused his owner Unilever of stifling corporate social responsibility and blocking the development of a special flavor to support peace in Gaza. The flavor, which had been approved by Ben & Jerry's independent board and first mooted a year ago, was deemed not suitable for production due to management's concerns over "corporate attack on free speech."
Cohen claims that Unilever is pursuing a strategy of "butt kissing" the current US administration, with him calling out their hypocrisy. He also expressed concern over Trump's authoritarian style and its impact on companies' ability to speak out against injustices. The controversy stems from Ben & Jerry's long history of producing socially conscious flavors, such as "Save Our Swirled" in support of climate action and "I Dough, I Dough" celebrating same-sex marriage.
Ben Cohen has launched a campaign called "Free Ben & Jerry's," which aims to persuade Unilever to sell the brand to socially responsible investors who will allow it to continue its mission. Cohen believes that now is the time for companies like Ben & Jerry's to raise their voices, citing Trump's administration's impact on free speech and civil rights.
The situation highlights the tensions between Ben & Jerry's founders' commitment to social justice and Unilever's corporate priorities. The two are set to clash over ownership and control of Ben & Jerry's, with Cohen threatening to create his own ice cream brand under his "Ben's Best" label if a solution isn't found.
Cohen claims that Unilever is pursuing a strategy of "butt kissing" the current US administration, with him calling out their hypocrisy. He also expressed concern over Trump's authoritarian style and its impact on companies' ability to speak out against injustices. The controversy stems from Ben & Jerry's long history of producing socially conscious flavors, such as "Save Our Swirled" in support of climate action and "I Dough, I Dough" celebrating same-sex marriage.
Ben Cohen has launched a campaign called "Free Ben & Jerry's," which aims to persuade Unilever to sell the brand to socially responsible investors who will allow it to continue its mission. Cohen believes that now is the time for companies like Ben & Jerry's to raise their voices, citing Trump's administration's impact on free speech and civil rights.
The situation highlights the tensions between Ben & Jerry's founders' commitment to social justice and Unilever's corporate priorities. The two are set to clash over ownership and control of Ben & Jerry's, with Cohen threatening to create his own ice cream brand under his "Ben's Best" label if a solution isn't found.
! I mean, Ben & Jerry's has always been known for speaking out on social issues and supporting good causes 
. It's like, they've been a beacon of hope and positivity in the ice cream world 
. But now, Unilever is basically stifling their corporate social responsibility and it's just not cool 
.
. Companies like Ben & Jerry's need to stand up for what they believe in and not let corporate greed get the best of them 
. And let's be real, it's hard enough when you're dealing with an authoritarian administration that's trying to silence dissenting voices 
.
. We need more companies like them who are willing to take a stand for what's right 
. Good luck, Ben Cohen! 
. As someone who loves their ice cream, it sucks that they're having to choose between making money and speaking out on important issues. I get why Ben & Jerry's wants to support peace in Gaza, but at the same time, Unilever has a right to decide what flavors they want to produce. Maybe they can find a middle ground? 
On the other hand, if Ben Cohen does end up starting his own brand under "Ben's Best" label, that could be kinda bad news for independent ice cream shops and social causes in general... 
But seriously, this is like the ultimate battle between social conscience and corporate greed. I guess it's no surprise that Ben & Jerry's would be at the forefront of it all – they've always been known for speaking their minds. And let's be real, Trump's not exactly known for his love of free speech... unless you count the kind where he tells everyone what to do, wink-wink 
. I'm team Ben's Best, lol, just kidding! Kinda. Seriously though, this is a big deal and it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. Maybe they can find a way to make that Gaza mint chip flavor work? 
they r actually trying to get outta the company cuz its not socially responsible anymore 
he wants to sell it 2 investors who care about the mission, but unilever doesn't wanna do that 
can u imagine having ur own ice cream brand tho? ben's best sounds like a sick name 
I'm so shocked by this news! Like, what's going on at Unilever?! They're basically stifling creativity and social responsibility just to fit in with the current admin? It's all about profit over people, right? 
As a consumer, I expect more from my brands, especially when it comes to social justice. It's time for some real change!
. It makes me wonder what other brands out there might be feeling suffocated by corporate interests...
. I mean, what's next? Are they gonna start churning out flavors that support our current government policies? Ben Cohen has always been known for being a voice for good causes and his fans are totally behind him 
, but Unilever's being like "hold my swirl" 
. I mean, I've always loved their flavors like Cherry Garcia and Cookies and Cream, but now they're just being held back by the parent company? It's like, what's up with that? 
. I mean, who doesn't want to support a good cause while enjoying some delicious ice cream? The idea of "butt kissing" the current US administration just sounds like corporate speak for selling out 
.
.