After nearly five decades of scooping up both ice cream and controversy, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation from the iconic brand. His departure marks the end of an era for a company that’s as famous for its chunky flavors as it is for its outspoken activism.
“Not Just About Ice Cream”: Why Greenfield Walked Away
Greenfield’s exit isn’t about a new flavor flop or a business dispute—it’s about the soul of the brand. In a heartfelt letter shared by co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield revealed that he’s leaving because Ben & Jerry’s has lost the
independence to speak out on social issues—a core value since its founding in 1978.
He pointed the finger squarely at parent company
Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000. According to Greenfield, Unilever has increasingly restricted the brand’s ability to take public stands on political and social issues, effectively “silencing” the activism that made Ben & Jerry’s a household name for more than just dessert.
Tensions Boil Over: The Unilever Clash
The rift between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever isn’t new, but it’s reached a breaking point. Tensions reportedly escalated in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s decided to halt sales in Israeli settlements, a move that sparked global headlines and internal friction with Unilever.
Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s CEO David Stever was reportedly removed by Unilever, allegedly over his political activism—a move that signaled to Greenfield that the brand’s activist voice was being stifled at the highest levels.
Greenfield described his decision as “painful,” saying he could no longer stay with a company that had lost its way. “Ben & Jerry’s was always about more than just ice cream. It was a way to spread love and invite others into the fight for equity, justice, and a better world,” he wrote.
What’s Next for Ben & Jerry’s—and Its Activist Legacy?
Unilever, which recently spun off its ice cream brands (including Ben & Jerry’s) under the Magnum umbrella, issued a polite but pointed statement thanking Greenfield for his service but making clear it does not share his views on activism.
For fans and activists, Greenfield’s departure raises big questions:
- Will Ben & Jerry’s continue its tradition of bold social statements?
- Or will the brand become just another corporate ice cream label, stripped of its activist edge?
Industry watchers say the move could signal a new era for Ben & Jerry’s—one where its flavors remain, but its voice may be muted under corporate oversight.
The Bigger Picture: Corporate Activism Under Pressure
Greenfield’s resignation is the latest flashpoint in a broader debate about
corporate activism. As more companies face backlash for taking political stands, some are retreating, while others double down. For Ben & Jerry’s, the struggle between profit and principle has never been more public—or more personal.
As Greenfield steps away, he leaves behind a legacy of using business as a force for good. Whether that legacy survives under Unilever’s watch remains to be seen.
Sources
1. Jerry quits Ben & Jerry's, saying brand lost its independence to ...
2. Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Over Loss of ...
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4. Democracy Now! | Democracy Now!
