Jerry Greenfield Departs Ben & Jerry’s Citing Unilever’s Stifling of Social Mission
Jerry Greenfield Departs Ben & Jerry’s Citing Unilever’s Stifling of Social Mission
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced his departure from the iconic ice cream brand after 47 years, citing a profound disappointment over parent company Unilever’s alleged stifling of the brand’s independence to speak on social issues. The news, conveyed through a letter posted on social media by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, marks the culmination of a years-long dispute.
Greenfield expressed that the brand’s ability to advocate for peace, justice, and human rights in relation to real-world events, a core tenet enshrined in their original merger agreement with Unilever, has been lost. He stated, “It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.”
This decision follows ongoing disagreements with Unilever regarding Ben & Jerry’s public statements on various social causes, including the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier this month, Cohen and Greenfield had reportedly urged Unilever to release them from the conglomerate. Founded in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s has long been known for its outspoken stance on issues ranging from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights.
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