Ben & Jerry’s co-founder quits, says independence “gone” under British giant Unilever
Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, made headlines recently by resigning from the beloved ice cream brand. His departure came after expressing concerns that the company had lost its independence to uphold its values under the ownership of Unilever, a British conglomerate.
The catalyst for Greenfield’s decision was Ben & Jerry’s failed attempt to prevent Unilever from selling its ice cream in West Bank settlements in 2022. This move was seen as contradictory to the company’s core values, prompting Greenfield to take a stand. In a statement released by co-founder Ben Cohen on X, Greenfield stated that after 47 years, he could no longer, in good conscience, continue working for a company that compromised its values.
Ben & Jerry’s, founded by Greenfield and Cohen in 1978, was acquired by Unilever in 2000 and is now owned by the Magnum Ice Cream Company, a subsidiary of Unilever. Greenfield lamented that the company had been silenced and sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power, particularly in light of the current U.S. administration’s policies that undermine civil rights and social justice.
Cohen echoed Greenfield’s sentiments, emphasizing that his co-founder’s legacy deserved to stay true to the company’s values without being muzzled by Magnum. In response, a spokesperson for Magnum reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Ben & Jerry’s mission and legacy, despite their disagreement with Greenfield’s perspective. The spokesperson stated that Unilever was dedicated to upholding Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission – product, economic, and social – and preserving the brand’s iconic reputation for peace, love, and ice cream.
In a separate incident, Cohen made headlines last year for his vocal criticism of Israeli policy and involvement in an open letter opposing the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. These actions underscore the co-founders’ unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights issues.
Unilever is currently in the process of spinning off Magnum, with plans for the subsidiary to operate independently by mid-November. Despite the changes within the company, the legacy of Ben & Jerry’s as a socially conscious brand remains a top priority for both Greenfield and Cohen.
As Ben & Jerry’s navigates this period of transition, the company’s dedication to its values and social activism continues to be at the forefront of its mission. The departure of Greenfield serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding principles and staying true to one’s beliefs, even in the face of corporate pressures.
