Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Over Loss of Political Independence

Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder of the iconic American ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, has announced his departure from the company, citing a fundamental shift in its ability to engage in political and social activism following its acquisition by the multinational giant, Unilever. This revelation was made public through a letter shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen on social media platform X. In his letter, Greenfield expressed concerns that Unilever's ownership, which began in 2020, has increasingly restricted Ben & Jerry's freedom to advocate for social issues—a cornerstone of the brand's identity since its inception. He indicated that Unilever had initially pledged to uphold the company’s commitment to social responsibility, but asserts that this autonomy has deteriorated over time. The tension between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever became particularly prominent in 2021 when the ice cream company announced its plans to stop selling products in the Israeli-occupied territories of the West Bank—an action that was met with significant backlash. In 2024, the situation intensified as Ben & Jerry's initiated legal proceedings against Unilever, alleging that the parent company was inhibiting its ability to support the cause of Palestinian refugees. The brand had also publicly referred to the ongoing conflict in Gaza as genocide, emphasizing its dedication to social justice. Despite his resignation, Greenfield and Cohen, who both stepped away from official responsibilities at the company, indicated they would continue to engage with Ben & Jerry's operations in some capacity. Greenfield’s decision to part ways is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by socially conscious companies under corporate ownership, sparking discussions about the balance between business interests and social activism in the current market landscape. As consumers increasingly favor brands that align with their values, the fallout from Greenfield's resignation will likely prompt further scrutiny of corporate practices and the genuine commitment of multinational companies to social and political causes. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2