Introduction: A Sweet Legacy with a Purpose
In the world of entrepreneurship, few names resonate as powerfully as Ben Cohen, the co-founder of Ben and Jerry, the iconic ice cream brand that redefined dessert with its quirky flavors and bold social mission. However, Cohen’s story extends far beyond the creamy scoops of Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey. As a visionary businessman and passionate activist, Cohen has spent decades blending innovation with advocacy, creating a legacy that transcends the frozen dessert aisle. This news-style blog post delves into the life, achievements, and ongoing impact of Ben Cohen, exploring how his journey with Ben and Jerrys and his activism have shaped industries and inspired change.
Early Life: The Roots of a Rebel with a Cause
Born on March 18, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Bernard “Ben” Cohen grew up in a middle-class Jewish family. His father, an accountant, and his mother, a homemaker, instilled in him a strong sense of community and fairness. Cohen’s early years were marked by a rebellious streak and a creative spirit. He attended Merrick Avenue Junior High School, where he met his lifelong friend and future business partner, Jerry Greenfield.
Cohen’s academic path was unconventional. After high school, he enrolled at Colgate University but dropped out after a year, feeling uninspired by traditional education. Instead, he pursued hands-on experiences, working as a potter, a taxi driver, and a hospital orderly. These diverse roles shaped his work ethic and ignited his desire to create something meaningful. Meanwhile, his friendship with Greenfield remained a constant, setting the stage for their legendary partnership.
The Birth of Ben and Jerry: A Scoop of Innovation
In 1977, Cohen and Greenfield, both in their mid-20s, decided to turn their shared love for food into a business venture. With a $5 correspondence course in ice cream making from Penn State University and a $12,000 investment (partly funded by a loan), they opened their first Ben and Jerrys scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, on May 5, 1978. The duo’s goal was simple yet ambitious: to create high-quality ice cream with bold flavors while fostering a sense of community.
Their approach was unconventional from the start. Cohen, who has anosmia (a lack of sense of smell), relied heavily on texture to differentiate flavors, leading to the creation of chunky, mix-in-heavy ice creams that became a hallmark of the brand. Flavors like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Phish Food were born from this innovative mindset, captivating customers with their indulgent profiles.
Moreover, Ben and Jerrys stood out for its commitment to social responsibility. Cohen and Greenfield embedded progressive values into the company’s DNA, sourcing ingredients from local farmers, supporting fair trade practices, and donating a portion of profits to charitable causes. By 1985, the Ben and Jerrys Foundation was established to fund community initiatives, a testament to Cohen’s belief that businesses should be forces for good.
Scaling Success: From Local Shop to Global Brand
The 1980s marked a period of rapid growth for Ben and Jerrys. By 1980, the company began distributing pints to local grocery stores, and by 1984, it went national, competing with giants like Häagen-Dazs. Cohen’s hands-on approach—often seen scooping ice cream or brainstorming new flavors—kept the brand authentic even as it scaled. His marketing savvy shone through in campaigns like the “What’s the Doughboy Afraid Of?” initiative, which challenged competitors and highlighted Ben and Jerrys’ independent spirit.
However, growth brought challenges. In 2000, Unilever acquired Ben and Jerrys for $326 million, a move that sparked concerns about the brand’s independence. Cohen, initially resistant, negotiated terms to preserve the company’s social mission. Although he stepped back from day-to-day operations, his influence remained, ensuring Ben and Jerrys continued to advocate for issues like climate change, racial justice, and fair trade.
Activism: Ben Cohen’s Voice Beyond Ice Cream
While Ben Cohen is celebrated for his entrepreneurial success, his activism defines his legacy. Over the years, he has used his platform to address pressing social and political issues, often at personal risk. His advocacy spans environmental sustainability, peace activism, and human rights, reflecting a deep commitment to systemic change.
Environmental Advocacy
Cohen has been a vocal proponent of sustainability, aligning Ben and Jerrys with eco-friendly practices. In the 1990s, the company pioneered the use of chlorine-free paper for packaging and supported organic farming. Cohen’s environmental ethos continues through initiatives like the Climate Justice Campaign, which he has championed in recent years.
Peace and Anti-War Efforts
A lifelong pacifist, Cohen has protested U.S. military interventions and policies. In 1988, he co-founded the “1% for Peace” campaign, urging businesses to donate 1% of profits to peace-building efforts. More recently, in 2025, Cohen disrupted a Senate hearing to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza, criticizing U.S. funding for military actions that harm civilians. His bold stance drew both praise and criticism, underscoring his willingness to confront powerful institutions.
Support for Julian Assange
In 2023, Cohen was arrested outside the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., while protesting the U.S. government’s prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. His arrest highlighted his commitment to free speech and government transparency, issues he views as critical to democracy.
Public Health and Social Equity
Cohen’s activism also extends to domestic issues. In 2025, he interrupted a congressional hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., protesting policies he believed undermined public health and social equity. His actions, while controversial, sparked discussions about corporate influence in politics and the need for equitable healthcare.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his achievements, Cohen’s journey has not been without controversy. His outspoken activism has drawn criticism from conservative groups and political figures who view his protests as disruptive or divisive. For instance, his 2025 Senate hearing outburst led to his ejection and arrest, with some labeling his actions as publicity stunts.
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Additionally, the Unilever acquisition raised questions about whether Ben and Jerrys could maintain its progressive ethos under corporate ownership. While Cohen has defended the brand’s continued advocacy, some critics argue that its social mission has been diluted. Nevertheless, Cohen remains steadfast, using his personal platform to amplify causes he believes in.
Personal Life: The Man Behind the Mission
Beyond his public persona, Ben Cohen is a private individual who values simplicity and authenticity. He resides in Vermont, where he continues to engage with local communities and support grassroots initiatives. His friendship with Jerry Greenfield remains a cornerstone of his life, with the duo often appearing together at events to promote Ben and Jerrys’ social mission.
Cohen’s personal interests include pottery, a craft he pursued before his ice cream days, and music, which inspires many of Ben and Jerrys’ flavor names, such as Phish Food, created in collaboration with the band Phish. His estimated net worth of $150 million reflects his business acumen, but Cohen’s focus remains on impact rather than wealth.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
As of 2025, Ben Cohen’s influence continues to ripple across industries and movements. Ben and Jerrys remains a leader in socially responsible business, with initiatives like its 2024 campaign for racial justice and its ongoing commitment to fair trade. Cohen’s activism, meanwhile, inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs and advocates to blend purpose with profit.
His recent protests, including those in 2025, demonstrate that Cohen’s passion for change remains undiminished. By leveraging his platform, he challenges individuals and institutions to confront uncomfortable truths, from military spending to corporate greed. As he famously said, “Business has a responsibility to give back to the community—it’s not just about making money.”
Conclusion: A Life of Flavor and Fight
Ben Cohen’s story is one of innovation, courage, and conviction. From a humble scoop shop in Vermont to a global brand with a conscience, he and Ben and Jerrys have redefined what it means to be a successful business. Yet, it is Cohen’s activism—his willingness to speak truth to power—that cements his legacy as a changemaker. As the world grapples with complex challenges, Cohen’s life serves as a reminder that one person, armed with purpose and persistence, can make a difference.
FAQs
1. Who is Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is the co-founder of Ben and Jerrys ice cream, known for creating iconic flavors and embedding social responsibility into the brand. He is also a prominent activist advocating for peace, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
2. How did Ben and Jerrys start?
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded Ben and Jerrys in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont, after completing a $5 ice cream-making course. They opened their first scoop shop in a renovated gas station, focusing on quality ingredients and community engagement.
3. What causes does Ben Cohen support?
Cohen supports a range of causes, including environmental sustainability, peace activism, free speech, and social equity. He has protested U.S. military policies, supported Julian Assange, and advocated for equitable healthcare.
4. Was Ben Cohen involved in recent protests?
Yes, in 2025, Cohen was arrested for disrupting a Senate hearing to protest U.S. funding for military actions in Gaza. He also protested at a 2025 congressional hearing involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
5. What is Ben Cohen’s net worth?
As of recent estimates, Ben Cohen’s net worth is approximately $150 million, largely from his success with Ben and Jerrys.
Reference:
- Forbes: Ben & Jerry’s Social Mission
- CNN: Ben Cohen’s Activism
- The Guardian: Ben & Jerry’s History
- BBC: Corporate Social Responsibility
- Harvard Business Review: Sustainable Business Models
