Jerry Greenfield Quits Ben & Jerry’s Amid Unilever Dispute

Lead: Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, announced his resignation on September 17, 2025, citing that parent Unilever has silenced the ice cream brand’s ability to speak out on social issues such as Gaza.

Nut Graf: Greenfield’s departure comes after 47 years as tensions escalated over Ben & Jerry’s social mission. He argues that Unilever breached a unique merger agreement designed to protect the company’s independence, forcing his decision to leave in protest.

Growing Rift Over Social Activism

• In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s halted sales in Israeli-occupied West Bank, triggering legal and public battles with Unilever.
• Co-founders negotiated an independent board at the time of the 2000 acquisition to safeguard advocacy on human rights, justice and equity.

“No Longer in Good Conscience”

Greenfield stated that he could not “in good conscience” remain with a company muted when global issues demand action. He vowed to continue his advocacy outside the corporate structure.

Unilever’s Response and Future Plans

A Unilever spokesperson said the company disagrees with Greenfield’s portrayal and has sought dialogue with both co-founders to reinforce Ben & Jerry’s values-driven stance globally. Unilever is currently spinning off its ice cream division into the Magnum Ice Cream Company ahead of a planned public listing in November.

Ben Cohen’s Protest and Ongoing Campaign

Meanwhile, Ben Cohen, the other co-founder, has staged demonstrations calling for a full spin-off of Ben & Jerry’s to preserve its social mission. Cohen remains with the brand but continues to pressure Unilever to honor the original independence agreement.

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