Ben & Jerry's, the beloved creamery known for its euphoric flavors and social activism, is getting the boot. Their long-time corporate parent, Unilever, has announced plans to spin off Ben & Jerry's brand. Let's see what this means to you.
Why the Split?
CBS News reports that Unilver is parting ways with ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's. While Ben & Jerry's quirky charm won hearts (and stomachs), its business model wasn't a perfect match for Unilever. The brand's profit margins lagged behind Unilever's other products, like soap and toothpaste. Also, Ben & Jerry's outspoken social stances that helped put them on the map caused friction, like their 2022 lawsuit against Unilever over ice cream sales in Israel.
Will Ben & Jerry's Keep Scooping Up Social Change?
This move is a big scoop of change for Ben & Jerry's. While the future is uncertain, the spinoff could grant them more autonomy to pursue their social justice missions alongside their funky flavors without the pressure to compete with Unilever products like Axe Body Spray - which never really made any sense from a business standpoint to begin with.
So, what does this mean for your next pint?
While the legalities are still up in the air, it likely won't affect your ability to find your favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors. This news might signal a sweeter future for Ben & Jerry's, where they can continue to be a brand with a socially conscious mission.
