Ben & Jerry’s is named for its co-founders: Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. This evergreen profile explains their full names, early lives, how they met, the 1978 launch in Burlington, Vermont, and their ongoing roles as public-facing figures and advocates. It distinguishes their historic ice-cream venture from later corporate ownership while highlighting product innovation, social activism, and milestone dates that shaped the brand’s identity.
Founders’ Full Names and Early Backgrounds
Ben Cohen is co-founder and former president of Ben & Jerry’s; Jerry Greenfield is co-founder and former CEO. They met in 1963 at a pre-college summer program in New York before attending different colleges. Cohen studied at Colgate University; Greenfield attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he later completed a pre-med program. Both worked various jobs before pairing skills—Cohen in crafts and PR, Greenfield in science and testing—leading to their joint ice-cream venture.
1978: Company Founding and First Shop
In 1978, Cohen and Greenfield opened their first Ben & Jerry’s in Burlington, Vermont, using a $5 loan guarantee from a friend and a $4,000 savings. Their original premise was to create a fun, community-focused ice cream brand with distinctive flavors and chunky mix-ins. They committed to sourcing quality ingredients and supporting local suppliers. This launch established the company’s reputation for premium ice cream and civic-minded business practices.
First Year Milestones (1978–1979)
- July 1978: First shop opened at 194 Church Street, Burlington, VT.
- 1979: Introduced campaign for pint to be sold with a spoon, reinforcing brand accessibility.
Product Innovation and Flavor Development
Cohen and Greenfield pioneered bold flavors and mix-ins, from Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to Chunky Monkey, establishing a reputation for creativity. They emphasized using non-GMO ingredients and experimented with early versions of fair trade practices. New flavors launched regularly in the early years, helping differentiate Ben & Jerry’s in a crowded market. This innovation became a core part of the brand identity and long-term product expansion.
Activism, Advocacy, and Public Roles
Beyond ice cream, the founders built Ben & Jerry’s around social advocacy, addressing climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Cohen and Greenfield used the platform to campaign on policy issues and partnered with nonprofit organizations. Their public voices remain associated with the brand’s activism, though operational ownership changed after the company’s sale. This section outlines their advocacy timeline and how the brand’s stance evolved while crediting their original vision.
Key Advocacy Actions by Year
| Year | Advocacy Focus | Notable Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Environmental | First advocacy flavor supporting family farms |
| 2003 | Marriage Equality | Public support for same-sex marriage campaigns |
| 2020 | Racial Justice | Published racial audit and committed to ingredient sourcing reforms |
Corporate Sale and Later Involvement
In 2000, Ben & Jerry’s was acquired by Unilever. Cohen and Greenfield transitioned out of day-to-day operations but remained public advocates and advisors on brand values. They retained symbolic roles and occasionally consulted on new initiatives. This clarified ownership separation between the founders’ ongoing public presence and the corporate entity, addressing common questions about their current influence.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Cohen and Greenfield’s legacy persists in product experimentation, community business models, and activism integrated into the brand. The company continues limited partnerships with nonprofits and public statements on social issues, echoing the founders’ early commitments. While day-to-day decisions are now made by Unilever leadership, the original ethos remains embedded in flavor names, sourcing policies, and public campaigns, ensuring their foundational impact endures.