Ben & Jerry’s co-founder exits, claims brand muted on social topics.
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned from the ice cream company he co-founded in 1978 following a disagreement with its owner, Unilever, as announced by the company’s other co-founder, Ben Cohen.
Cohen shared a statement from Greenfield expressing that his decision to resign was one of the most difficult and painful choices he has had to make. Greenfield accused Unilever of limiting Ben & Jerry’s ability to advocate for social and political causes, which have been integral to the brand’s identity.
Greenfield and Cohen sold their Vermont-based ice cream company to Unilever in 2000 with the understanding that they would have the freedom to uphold their values. However, their relationship with Unilever has deteriorated over time.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company, a spin-off from Unilever, stated that they have attempted to engage with the co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s. A Magnum spokesperson disagreed with Greenfield’s perspective and mentioned efforts to collaborate with both co-founders to strengthen the brand’s values-based stance.
Tensions between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever escalated in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s ceased sales in occupied Palestinian territories, citing a misalignment with the brand’s socially conscious values. This move led to conflicts with Israel and sparked a dispute with Unilever regarding the brand’s autonomy.
Ben & Jerry’s filed a lawsuit against Unilever last year, alleging censorship of their statements supporting Palestinian refugees and resolutions against military aid to Israel. In January, the ice cream company claimed that Unilever blocked a post referencing abortion, climate change, and universal healthcare due to a mention of President Donald Trump. In March, Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of violating their merger agreement by removing then-CEO David Stever over the brand’s public stance on progressive issues.
Unilever has refuted all claims made by Ben & Jerry’s. Greenfield expressed disappointment in the loss of independence that was a core aspect of their sale to Unilever, emphasizing the brand’s history of advocating for peace, justice, and human rights.
Greenfield and Cohen recently penned an open letter to the Magnum Ice Cream Company board, urging for Ben & Jerry’s to operate independently due to ongoing disagreements on various issues, including criticism of President Trump’s policies and Israel’s actions in Gaza. Unilever responded by affirming that Ben & Jerry’s remains part of the Magnum Ice Cream Company and is not up for sale.
Despite not holding official roles at the company for many years, both co-founders continued to act as brand ambassadors, assisting in product promotions and staff training. Greenfield highlighted the importance of standing up for justice, equity, and shared humanity in the face of current challenges.
Magnum expressed gratitude towards Greenfield for his contributions and dedication to the causes he supported, acknowledging his pivotal role in establishing a successful ice cream company with a focus on social issues. They thanked him for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.