Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has left the ice cream brand after nearly 50 years, deepening a bitter dispute with its parent company Unilever over social activism.
In a letter shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield said the brand had “lost its independence” after Unilever moved to rein in its political campaigning. He described his departure as “one of the hardest and most painful decisions” of his life but said he could no longer “in good conscience” work for a company that had been “silenced”.
Clash Over Activism
The row dates back to 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s announced it would stop selling ice cream in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, calling them “inconsistent with the brand’s values”. The move sparked lawsuits and intense political backlash in both the US and Israel.
Unilever later overruled the decision, arguing that it had final say over corporate strategy. That triggered legal action from Ben & Jerry’s, which accused its parent of violating a 2000 merger agreement designed to protect the brand’s social mission.
Company Response
The Magnum Ice Cream Company — Unilever’s new spin-off which houses Ben & Jerry’s — said it respected Greenfield’s contribution but disagreed with his stance.
“We have sought to engage both co-founders in constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s values-based position in the world,” a spokesperson said.
Unilever has previously dismissed allegations it tried to silence the brand, saying it was “disappointed” sensitive conversations were being made public.
A History of Activism
Since its founding in Vermont in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s has been outspoken on issues ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to climate change. But tensions have grown since Unilever ousted Ben & Jerry’s chief executive David Stever earlier this year. Court filings claim the consumer goods giant also pressed the company to stop criticising former US president Donald Trump.
Greenfield’s departure comes just weeks after Cohen was arrested during a protest at the US Senate over American military aid to Israel and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
What Next for the Brand?
Industry analysts say Greenfield’s resignation could weaken Ben & Jerry’s long-standing reputation as a values-driven company, a quality that has helped differentiate it from rivals for decades.
Whether the ice cream maker continues its tradition of outspoken activism now depends on how far its parent company is willing to let it go.
