Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Criticizes Brand's Quality Under Corporate Ownership

Ben Cohen, Co-Founder of Ben & Jerry's, Criticizes Company's Recent Product Developments

Ben & Jerry's, the iconic ice-cream brand, has been a staple in many households for decades. However, according to the company's co-founder, Ben Cohen, the brand's recent product developments have fallen short of its traditional standards. In an interview with the Guardian, Cohen expressed his disappointment with the brand's newest chocolate-covered ice-cream bar on a stick, stating that it lacks the quality and texture of its original tub-based products. Specifically, Cohen criticized the ice cream itself, describing it as "kinda fluffy," a term that implies the addition of extra air to cut costs.

Cohen's comments come as no surprise, given his long-standing concerns about the company's direction under corporate ownership. In 2000, Ben & Jerry's was sold to Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, which has since taken control of the brand's operations. Cohen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the company's new ownership, stating that it has led to a loss of the brand's unique culture and values. The boycott of Magnum brands, which Cohen has called for, could potentially force Unilever to reevaluate its ownership of Ben & Jerry's, potentially leading to a sale of the brand.

The boycott, which aims to pressure Unilever into selling the brand, has sparked a renewed debate about the impact of corporate ownership on small businesses and their values. While Ben & Jerry's remains a beloved brand, Cohen's comments highlight the challenges faced by companies that undergo significant changes in ownership. As the debate continues, fans of the brand will be watching closely to see how Unilever responds to the growing pressure to restore Ben & Jerry's original values and quality standards.