Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his departure from the iconic ice cream company after 47 years.
Greenfield stated that the brand’s independence to speak out on social justice issues has been stifled by its parent company, Unilever.
The big picture: In a letter posted on social media by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed disappointment that Ben & Jerry’s can no longer act freely on its social mission.
- The original merger agreement with Unilever in 2000 was designed to preserve Ben & Jerry’s social mission and values in perpetuity through a unique governance structure.
- Greenfield lamented that this independence is now effectively lost, which he called “profoundly disappointing,” especially during a time of serious civil rights attacks in the U.S.
- He emphasized the importance of standing for justice, equity, and human rights even when risking backlash, stating that Ben & Jerry’s has been “silenced” and sidelined due to fear of upsetting those in power.
Driving the news: The brand has historically used its platform to advocate for peace and human rights linked to real-world events rather than abstract ideas.
- Unilever, based in London, plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, into a separate entity called The Magnum Ice Cream Company by the end of 2025.
- A spokesperson for Magnum thanked Greenfield for his contributions but disagreed with his viewpoint, affirming commitment to Ben & Jerry’s legacy and values.
- Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever have had ongoing tensions, including a 2021 conflict over the brand’s decision to stop sales in Israeli settlements, which Unilever later countered by selling its Israeli business to a local company.
- Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of unlawfully removing its CEO David Stever in retaliation for political activism, violating merger agreements.
- In late 2024, Ben & Jerry’s filed a federal lawsuit accusing Unilever of silencing statements supporting Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict and refusing to allow social media posts critical of issues like minimum wage, healthcare, abortion, and climate change.
