Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is stepping down from the ice cream company he helped build over 47 years, citing a loss of autonomy on social issues under the ownership of Unilever, the parent company. The announcement was made public through a letter shared on social media by co-founder Ben Cohen.
Greenfield expressed disappointment over the diminishing independence that was guaranteed through a unique agreement with Unilever, emphasizing that the core values and social mission they embedded in the company’s governance structure have been compromised.
Earlier in November, Ben & Jerry’s took legal action against Unilever in a New York federal court, alleging suppression of the company’s statements supporting Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. Additionally, Unilever reportedly blocked Ben & Jerry’s from posting on social media about sensitive topics like minimum wages, healthcare, abortion, and climate change under the Trump administration.
Despite Greenfield’s departure, Unilever’s Magnum Ice Cream division expressed gratitude for his contributions and commitment to Ben & Jerry’s. They acknowledged a difference in perspective but affirmed their dedication to upholding the brand’s values of peace, love, and ice cream.
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded Ben & Jerry’s in Vermont in 1978, known for its socially conscious stance and charitable contributions. Over the years, the company gained recognition for introducing innovative flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and honoring public figures such as Jerry Garcia and Senator Bernie Sanders through ice cream names.
The acquisition of Ben & Jerry’s by Unilever in 2000 aimed to expand the company’s social mission, although Greenfield later voiced concerns in a 2020 interview about Unilever not initially appreciating their values. Tensions escalated over time, leading to conflicts such as Ben & Jerry’s decision to halt sales in Israeli settlements and the subsequent sale of Unilever’s Israeli business.
In a recent development, Unilever announced plans to divest its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry’s, as part of a broader restructuring initiative. The ongoing disputes culminated in Ben & Jerry’s alleging the unlawful removal of its CEO by Unilever as a response to the company’s activism.
Greenfield stressed the importance of standing up for justice and equality, particularly in challenging times where civil rights and marginalized communities are under threat. He lamented Ben & Jerry’s perceived silencing under current political circumstances, emphasizing the significance of upholding values even in the face of adversity.