Ben & Jerry's Break Up: What Happened Between the Founders and the Brand?

Ben & Jerry's co-founders Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen formally ended their operational role in the company when Unilever completed its acquisition in 2000, marking a definitive break between founders and the brand they built. This evergreen profile explains the timeline and nature of the 'break up,' detailing how the founders transitioned from owners and leaders to licensees and public advocates while remaining connected to the brand's social mission. Below, we break down the key phases, agreements, and ongoing dynamics that define the current relationship between Jerry, Ben, and Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry's.