Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Quits After 47 Years

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned Tuesday from the iconic ice cream company he built with partner Ben Cohen, citing Unilever’s “silencing” of the brand’s social activism.

The departure marks the most significant escalation in an ongoing dispute between the Vermont-based ice cream maker and its British parent company over the brand’s ability to speak out on social justice issues, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict.

Greenfield Cites Loss of Independence Under Unilever

In an open letter shared by Cohen on social media platform X, Greenfield described his decision as “one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made”. The 47-year veteran said he could no longer “in good conscience” remain with a company that has been “silenced” by Unilever, despite a 2000 merger agreement designed to protect Ben & Jerry’s social mission.

“Standing up for the values of justice, equity and our shared humanity has never been more important, yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power,” Greenfield stated in his resignation letter.

The co-founder emphasized that Ben & Jerry’s “has always stood for peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts but in relation to real events happening in our world”. He argued that the independence guaranteed in the original Unilever acquisition has “vanished”.

Years-Long Conflict Over Gaza Stance Intensifies

The resignation comes amid escalating tensions that began in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s announced it would stop selling ice cream in Israeli-occupied territories. The brand has since filed a lawsuit against Unilever, alleging attempts to suppress its voice, and has described the Gaza situation as “genocide” - a rare stance for a major U.S. corporation.

Recent conflicts include Ben & Jerry’s accusations that Unilever prevented the brand from posting about abortion, climate change, and universal healthcare due to their connection to former President Trump. The company also alleged Unilever unlawfully removed CEO David Stever without board approval due to the brand’s progressive public statements.

Unilever Disputes Claims as Spinoff Looms

The Magnum Ice Cream Company, Unilever’s ice cream division preparing for a November public offering, disputed Greenfield’s characterization. A spokesperson said the company “disagrees with Greenfield’s perspective” and has attempted to engage both co-founders “in a constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s powerful values-based position in the world”.

Magnum confirmed Greenfield stepped down as a brand ambassador but noted he is not involved in Ben & Jerry’s ongoing lawsuit against Unilever. The company maintains that Ben & Jerry’s is “not for sale” and will remain part of the Magnum group.

Founders Push for Independence

Last week, Cohen and Greenfield had sent an open letter requesting Ben & Jerry’s be spun off independently from the upcoming Magnum separation, arguing the brand should operate free from Unilever’s influence. Cohen revealed the founders had proposed selling to investors at a $1.5-2.5 billion valuation, but the offer was rejected.

Cohen stated he would “give back the money from the Unilever sale if it meant the brand could be independent,” adding that “the board of Magnum has been Trumpified”.

The resignation occurs as Ben & Jerry’s, founded in a converted gas station in 1978, faces questions about its future direction under corporate ownership while trying to maintain its decades-long commitment to social activism.