After nearly half a century at the helm of one of America’s most iconic ice cream brands, Jerry Greenfield—the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s—has announced his resignation, citing a deepening rift with parent company Unilever over the brand’s social activism and independence.
A Painful Goodbye After 50 Years
Greenfield’s departure, revealed in a heartfelt letter shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen on social media, marks the end of an era for the Vermont-based company. In his statement, Greenfield described the decision as “one of the hardest and most painful” of his life, saying he could no longer “in good conscience” remain with the company he helped build.
He accused Unilever of
“silencing” Ben & Jerry’s activism, despite a 2000 merger agreement that was supposed to protect the brand’s outspoken social mission. “It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone,” Greenfield wrote.
The Battle Over Social Mission
Ben & Jerry’s has long been known for its bold stances on issues ranging from climate change to racial justice. But tensions with Unilever have simmered for years, coming to a head in 2021 when the company announced it would stop selling ice cream in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem—a move that sparked global headlines and internal corporate conflict.
Greenfield’s resignation letter didn’t mince words about the current political climate, linking the company’s struggles to broader attacks on civil rights in the U.S. “Standing up for the values of justice, equity and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced and sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power,” he wrote.
Unilever’s Ice Cream Spin-Off Looms
The timing of Greenfield’s exit is especially notable as Unilever prepares to spin off its entire ice cream division—including Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, and Wall’s—into a separate company, a move expected to be completed later this year. The split is widely seen as a response to ongoing disputes over brand autonomy and social responsibility.
What’s Next for Ben & Jerry’s?
Greenfield’s departure raises urgent questions about the future of Ben & Jerry’s as a force for progressive activism. Will the brand’s next chapter see a retreat from its activist roots, or will new leadership find a way to reclaim its independent voice?
For now, fans and activists alike are left wondering whether the company can remain true to its founding values—or if, as Greenfield fears, the era of “peace, justice, and human rights” at Ben & Jerry’s is truly over.
Sources
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2. Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines ...
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6. Jerry quits Ben & Jerry's | News Channel 3-12 - KEYT
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8. Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry’s quits in battle with Unilever over free speech on Gaza
