Who Is The Owner Of Ben And Jerry's

So, you're curious about who's behind that creamy, dreamy Ben & Jerry's, huh? Let's grab a coffee and dive in, shall we?

First things first, picture this: two friends, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, hanging out in their Vermont college dorm room in the '70s. Now, you're probably thinking, "How did they go from dorm room to ice cream empire?" Well, my friend, it's a tale of friendship, a $5 correspondence course, and a whole lot of scoops.

Ben & Jerry: The Dynamic Duo

Ben and Jerry met in seventh grade, became best buds, and even worked together at a local scoop shop during high school. Fast forward to their college years, they're sitting around, brainstorming business ideas. Ben, being the health nut, suggests they open a health food store. Jerry, with his sweet tooth, has a better idea: ice cream!

Now, here's where it gets interesting. They didn't just dive in headfirst. No, no, they took a $5 ice cream-making course by mail (yes, you read that right, five whole dollars!). They practiced in Ben's tiny apartment, and after a few batches (and probably some taste tests), they were ready to roll.

From a Gas Station to a Global Brand

In 1978, they opened their first scoop shop in a converted gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Word spread fast, and soon enough, lines were out the door. But here's the thing, they didn't just serve ice cream; they served flavors. I mean, who else would think to mix up "Cherry Garcia" or "Chunky Monkey"?

As their fame grew, so did their commitment to social causes. Ben and Jerry have always been about more than just ice cream. They've been vocal about issues like marriage equality, climate change, and fair trade. And let's not forget their famous "Peace, Love & Ice Cream" mantra.

Inside Ben and Jerry’s co-founders' net worth as Jerry Greenfield quits

Unilever Takes the Cone

Now, you might be wondering, "If Ben and Jerry started it all, who's running the show now?" Well, in 2000, they sold their company to Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company. But here's the kicker: Ben and Jerry insisted on including an amendment that their company's social mission would remain independent of Unilever.

So, while Unilever owns Ben & Jerry's, Ben and Jerry still have a say in how their company's social mission is carried out. And let me tell you, they've been busy. They've started initiatives like the "Climate Change College Tour" and the "Join Our Core" campaign, encouraging fans to get involved in their causes.

Ben & Jerry Today

As for Ben and Jerry themselves, they're still around, still passionate, and still eating ice cream (I mean, who wouldn't?). Ben's been busy with his own venture, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings, which invests in socially responsible businesses. Jerry's been focusing on philanthropy and community service.

And there you have it, the scoop on who owns Ben & Jerry's. It's a story of friendship, ice cream, and making a difference. Now, who's ready for a sundae?