In a shocking move, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, has announced his resignation from the company. This decision comes after Greenfield expressed concerns that his core values of spreading love and fighting for equity and justice are no longer aligned with the company's direction under its parent company, Unilever.
Greenfield's resignation was shared by his longtime business partner, Ben Cohen, on social media. Cohen stated that Greenfield's legacy should remain true to the values they founded the company on, rather than being silenced by Unilever's influence. This development highlights ongoing tensions between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever, particularly over issues like political activism and corporate governance.
Ben & Jerry's has been known for its strong stance on social issues, including environmental protection and human rights. In recent years, the company has faced challenges from Unilever regarding its support for political causes, leading to a lawsuit in March 2025 accusing Unilever of improperly removing the CEO and attempting to dismantle Ben & Jerry's independent board.
Unilever has maintained its commitment to Ben & Jerry's values, stating that it seeks to engage both co-founders in constructive conversations to strengthen the brand's position. However, the resignation of Jerry Greenfield underscores the deepening rift between Ben & Jerry's founding principles and Unilever's corporate strategy.
What This Means
The departure of Jerry Greenfield marks a significant moment in the history of Ben & Jerry's, as it reflects the challenges faced by socially conscious companies under large corporate umbrellas. Ben & Jerry's has been a leader in using business as a force for good, but its ability to maintain its values under Unilever's ownership has become increasingly contentious.
Key Points:
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Jerry Greenfield's Resignation: Cites alignment issues with Unilever's approach to social activism.
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Ongoing Legal Disputes: Ben & Jerry's lawsuit against Unilever over governance and political expression.
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Unilever's Response: Commitment to Ben & Jerry's values, but disagreement with Greenfield's perspective.
As Ben & Jerry's navigates this transition, it will be crucial to see how the company balances its commitment to social causes with the expectations of its parent company. The future of Ben & Jerry's as a symbol of corporate activism hangs in the balance.
Sources
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6. Ben and Jerry's - Certified B Corporation - B Lab Global
7. U.S. News: Latest news, breaking news, today's news stories ...
8. 2006 SEAR Report | Ben & Jerry's
