<P> In 1989, Ben & Jerry's revealed their opposition of the use of rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) in all their products . This genetically engineered hormone is sometimes given to cows in order to boost milk production, but Ben & Jerry's does not support this practice and is in favor of utilizing less chemically intensive ingredients for the safety of consumers and the environment . </P> <P> In 1994, Ben & Jerry's: The Inside Scoop, written by Fred "Chico" Lager, former CEO of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, was published . This book tracks the history of how Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream got started . The book focuses on "How Two Real Guys Built a Business with a Social Conscience and a Sense of Humor ." </P> <P> In April 2000, Ben & Jerry's sold the company to Anglo - Dutch multinational food giant Unilever . Unilever said it hopes to carry on the tradition of engaging "in these critical, global economic and social missions". Although the founders' names are still attached to the product, they do not hold any board or management position and are not involved in day - to - day management of the company . </P> <P> In 2001, Ben & Jerry's U.S. completed the transition to "Eco-Pint" packaging, which packaged all pint flavors in environmentally friendly unbleached paperboard Eco-Pint containers, a decision it later reversed . The use of brown - kraft unbleached paperboard had been a critical first step toward a totally biodegradable pint made without added chlorine . Due to what they described as increasing supply, quality, and cost challenges, Ben & Jerry's discontinued their use of the Eco-Pint in 2006, transitioning to a pint container made out of a bleached paperboard that it said was more readily available . </P>

When was ben and jerry's sold to unilever