Unilever confirms Ben & Jerry’s ice cream not for sale
UK – Unilever, a British multinational Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Company, has announced that Ben & Jerry’s an important part of the ice cream business, is not for sale.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, founders of Ben & Jerry’s, have expressed interest in buying back their namesake ice cream brand from Unilever Plc, which they sold for US$326 million.
According to a Bloomberg, the two have held preliminary talks in recent months and may seek support from socially conscious investors.
Given Ben & Jerry’s potential valuation in the billions, significant financial backing would be required but there is no certainty a deal will materialise.
A spokesperson for Unilever said, “As confirmed during our 2024 FY results announcement, we are on track to separate the ice cream business by way of a demerger. Ben & Jerry’s is an important part of the ice cream business, and it’s not for sale.”
Unilever recently announced that Hein Schumacher would step down as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director by mutual agreement.
Hein Schumacher served as the previous CEO of the Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina from 2018 until 2023, where he became CEO of Unilever.
He said, “It has been a privilege to lead Unilever. We have made real progress and I am proud of what we have achieved in a short period of time. With a clear strategy, a portfolio reset in motion and a strong leadership team in place, I look forward to seeing Unilever move from strength to strength in the future.”
Ian Meakins, Unilever Chairman, said that, on behalf of the Board, he wanted to thank Hein for resetting Unilever’s strategy, the focus and discipline he had brought to the company, and the solid financial progress achieved in 2024.
He stated that Hein had introduced and led a significant productivity program and the commencement of the Ice Cream separation, both of which were entirely on track.
Fernando Fernandez, former Unilever Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, was promoted to Chief Executive Officer.
Before becoming CFO in January 2024, Fernando had a successful tenure as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever’s fastest-growing businesses.
Fernando Fernandez said, “Being appointed as CEO of Unilever is an honour. Our focus will be on building a future-fit portfolio with an attractive growth footprint and delivering unmatched functional and perceivable superiority across our top 30 power brands.”
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