Unilever Mulls Ben & Jerry's Sale Amid Clashes Over Social Activism, Changing Ice Cream Market

Unilever is considering spinning off or selling its ice cream brands, including Ben & Jerry's, as part of a major company restructuring.

Ben & Jerry's has frequently clashed with parent company Unilever over its progressive social activism, especially regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Unilever previously sold Ben & Jerry’s Israeli business to a local licensee after the brand said it would stop selling in disputed settlements.

Ice cream profit margins are lower than Unilever's other units and consumption has been declining in markets like the U.S.

If spun off, Unilever's ice cream division could be listed as a separate public company or sold to another firm by the end of 2025.