Ben Cohen, the visionary entrepreneur and outspoken activist, has left a powerful legacy not only in the world of business but also in social change. As of 2025, the 74-year-old co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s holds an estimated net worth of $150 million, a reflection of his enduring influence as both a businessman and a champion of progressive causes.
While most know him for his iconic ice cream flavors and quirky brand marketing, Ben Cohen’s success story runs deeper. From launching a modest scoop shop in Vermont to leading one of the most socially conscious brands in the world, Cohen’s path blends purpose with profit in a way few entrepreneurs have managed.
The Origins of a Scoop Empire
Ben Cohen was born on March 18, 1951, in New York City, and raised in Merrick, New York, in a Jewish household. His childhood was marked by creativity and curiosity, though he struggled with anosmia—a condition that limits taste and smell. Despite that, he became one of the most influential figures in food retail.
In 1978, after experimenting with a short course in ice cream making at Pennsylvania State University, Cohen and his lifelong friend Jerry Greenfield launched Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. With just $8,000 in savings and a $4,000 bank loan, they started selling rich, chunky ice cream that would soon take the country by storm.
By 1980, they began selling pints to local grocery stores. Just a year later, they opened their first franchised location in Shelburne, Vermont. The company’s rapid growth was driven by its distinct branding, inventive flavors, and Ben and Jerry’s public commitment to fair business practices and social justice.
By 1987, the company was worth $30 million, and by the 1990s, Ben & Jerry’s had become a symbol of values-driven capitalism.
Building a Brand With Purpose
Ben Cohen’s personal wealth is directly tied to the remarkable success of Ben & Jerry’s. Under his leadership, the company not only achieved commercial success but also pioneered ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and corporate activism.
Known for bold political stances—from LGBTQ+ rights to climate change and campaign finance reform—Cohen never separated his business from his values. In 1988, he and Jerry Greenfield were named U.S. Small Business Persons of the Year by the Small Business Administration, highlighting their contribution to both commerce and community.
Even after stepping down as CEO in 1996, Cohen remained a symbolic force behind the company’s social mission.
Unilever Acquisition and Continued Earnings
In 2000, Ben & Jerry’s was sold to Unilever for $326 million. At the time, the company had an annual revenue of about $237 million. The deal came with unique provisions: Unilever agreed to uphold the brand’s social mission, fund charitable initiatives, and allow Ben & Jerry’s to maintain an independent board.
Though Cohen and Greenfield no longer have management roles, they still receive salaries from Unilever, contributing to their financial stability. The global success of the brand continues today, with Ben & Jerry’s available in 43 countries and generating an estimated $700 million annually in revenue.
Activism and Philanthropy
After leaving the business, Ben Cohen turned his full attention toward activism and philanthropy. He co-founded and now actively works with the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which distributes grants to grassroots organizations focused on racial equity, economic justice, and environmental sustainability.
His passion for change also led to the creation of campaigns like Stamp Stampede, which advocates for getting money out of politics by stamping political messages on U.S. currency. Cohen has also supported political figures like Bernie Sanders, releasing limited-edition ice cream flavors like Bernie’s Yearning and Bernie’s Back.
His commitment to social change is not performative—it’s deeply embedded in every initiative he touches.
Potential Reacquisition of Ben & Jerry’s
In a surprising development in 2025, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield are reportedly in early discussions to buy back Ben & Jerry’s from Unilever. Although no deal has been finalized, the pair are exploring partnerships with mission-aligned investors who would prioritize social impact over profits.
This move underscores Cohen’s lifelong dedication to values-based business. If successful, it would mark a full-circle moment—returning ownership of the company to the two men who built it from scratch and shaped it into a globally respected brand.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite his fame and fortune, Ben Cohen leads a relatively private life, choosing to focus on activism and community organizing rather than luxury or celebrity. He has no formal role at Ben & Jerry’s today, but his vision continues to shape its brand and culture.
Now at age 74, Cohen’s financial status—a $150 million net worth—is the result of decades of hard work, risk-taking, and bold innovation. But perhaps more meaningful than the money is the legacy of corporate responsibility and the proof that business success and social good can go hand-in-hand.
Final Thoughts
Ben Cohen’s journey from a modest Vermont scoop shop to a $150 million fortune is more than a business success story. It’s a case study in how entrepreneurial vision, when rooted in values, can create not only wealth but widespread change.
As conversations around ethical capitalism and conscious consumerism grow louder, Cohen remains a living symbol of what’s possible when profits meet purpose. Whether or not he reclaims ownership of Ben & Jerry’s, his impact on the food industry and activism is already indelible.
