Ben Cohen (businessman) is best known as the co-founder of the globally loved ice cream brand, Ben & Jerry’s. But behind the delicious flavours and playful branding is a man driven by a fierce passion for social justice, equity, and peace. From the very beginning, Cohen has used business not just to sell, but to speak out. His story is one of innovation, disruption, and unwavering values—a tale of how one man transformed a dessert empire into a political platform.
While many know the name from freezer aisles, not everyone realises that Ben Cohen (businessman) has become a vocal anti-war activist, campaigning against military overspending and advocating for a more compassionate America. His journey, both sweet and serious, offers an inspiring example of how purpose can coexist with profit, and how even entrepreneurs can stand at the front lines of change.
The Early Years and Influences That Shaped Ben Cohen (Businessman)
Born in New York City on 18 March 1951, Ben Cohen (businessman) was raised in a working-class family. His parents, Irving and Frances Cohen, instilled in him a sense of fairness and community-mindedness. These early values would later become the backbone of both his business and political pursuits. Despite being diagnosed with anosmia—a condition that limits his sense of smell and taste—Cohen remained passionate about food and creativity.
After studying at Colgate University and Pennsylvania State University, Cohen found himself without a clear career path. He worked various jobs, from pottery wheel instructor to taxi driver. But it wasn’t until reconnecting with childhood friend Jerry Greenfield that the seeds of Ben & Jerry’s were planted. The two men shared a dream to do something meaningful—not just profitable—and in 1978, they opened their first scoop shop in Burlington, Vermont.
Building a Business with Heart and Soul
What set Ben Cohen (businessman) apart from typical entrepreneurs was his commitment to social responsibility from day one. Ben & Jerry’s wasn’t just an ice cream shop—it was a bold experiment in ethical capitalism. The company embraced fair trade, paid workers a living wage, sourced ingredients sustainably, and gave back to the community. Even their packaging carried messages about climate justice, racial equity, and peace.
Under Cohen’s leadership, Ben & Jerry’s grew into a multimillion-pound brand without losing its moral compass. Cohen believed that businesses had a duty to speak out on important issues, even when it wasn’t popular. This values-led approach didn’t just win customer loyalty—it set a new benchmark for corporate activism that many modern brands are still trying to match.
Life After Ben & Jerry’s: A Mission for Peace
After Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, Ben Cohen (businessman) could have retired comfortably. Instead, he doubled down on his mission to make the world a better place. He founded organisations like TrueMajority and Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities, pushing to shift government spending from military defence to healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. He also launched Up in Arms, a campaign aimed at reforming the U.S. Department of Defence.
Cohen’s activism is rooted in numbers. He highlights that America spends over $1 trillion on the military while cutting funds for essential social services. He argues that this imbalance endangers democracy and human dignity. Whether testifying before lawmakers or creating viral social media campaigns, Ben Cohen (businessman) continues to make his voice heard loud and clear in the public arena.
Arrested but Not Silenced: Ben Cohen’s Activism in Action
In May 2025, Ben Cohen (businessman) was arrested during a protest at the U.S. Senate while speaking out against military aid to Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He was removed by Capitol police, but the arrest only amplified his message. Cohen’s actions drew widespread attention and brought new visibility to his advocacy for peace, transparency, and responsible foreign policy.
This wasn’t an isolated event. Cohen has consistently used his platform to challenge what he sees as misplaced priorities. He has taken part in protests, written open letters to political leaders, and spoken out against war profiteering. His activism often includes a touch of humour, using ice cream metaphors to deliver hard-hitting truths about inequality and injustice.
Clearing the Confusion: Ben Cohen the Businessman vs Ben Cohen the Rugby Star
It’s important to clear up a frequent public confusion. Ben Cohen (businessman) is not the same person as the former English rugby player, also named Ben Cohen. The rugby player has been in the media for different reasons, including his participation in Strictly Come Dancing, his relationship with Kristina Rihanoff, and personal matters like the Kristina Rihanoff Ben Cohen wedding and their home sale.
On the other hand, Ben Cohen (businessman) has remained focused on public policy, activism, and non-profit work. While both have faced media attention, the contexts could not be more different. One is known for tackling opponents on the pitch; the other is renowned for challenging the Pentagon’s budget and fighting for underfunded schools and hospitals.
Lasting Legacy of Ben Cohen (Businessman)
The legacy of Ben Cohen (businessman) is one that blends capitalism with conscience. He showed the world that a business can grow big without losing its soul. More than just a co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Cohen represents a new kind of entrepreneur—one who sees their success as a responsibility, not just a reward.
His influence extends beyond the ice cream industry. Many companies now model his blend of activism and enterprise, from Patagonia to smaller B Corps. By proving that ethical brands can thrive, Ben Cohen has changed the way we think about business. He’s a blueprint for turning passion into purpose, and a reminder that doing good and doing well don’t have to be opposites.
Conclusion: The Businessman Who Scooped More Than Just Ice Cream
Ben Cohen (businessman) has lived a life full of flavour—both literally and figuratively. He’s gone from inventing Cherry Garcia and Chocolate Fudge Brownie to launching full-scale campaigns against war and inequality. But no matter the arena, his message stays the same: fairness, justice, and community matter more than profit.
In an age where many CEOs avoid controversy, Cohen stands out for his courage. Whether marching in protests or calling out corruption online, he continues to inspire. His legacy isn’t just about what he built, but what he stood for. And that legacy, much like his famous ice cream, will never melt away.
FAQs
Who is Ben Cohen (businessman)?
Ben Cohen is an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, known for combining business success with social activism and peace advocacy.
What causes does Ben Cohen support?
He supports reducing military budgets, increasing healthcare and education funding, and promoting social justice and environmental sustainability.
Is Ben Cohen still involved with Ben & Jerry’s?
Although no longer running the business, he remains influential in the brand’s activism and is deeply involved in independent peace-focused initiatives.
How is Ben Cohen (businessman) different from the rugby player?
They are completely different people. The businessman is an American activist and entrepreneur, while the rugby player is a former England international known for his personal life and media appearances.
Why was Ben Cohen arrested in 2025?
He was arrested during a Senate protest against military aid to Israel, part of his broader campaign to cut military spending and fund humanitarian needs.
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