Jerry Greenfield Steps Down Over Dispute with Unilever

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream company Ben & Jerry's, has made the difficult decision to leave the company after almost five decades, amidst ongoing disagreements with its parent corporation.

Greenfield expressed his heartbreak over the decision, announcing via a public letter shared by his co-founder Ben Cohen. He criticized Unilever for restricting the business's voice on important global matters, including those relating to the Gaza conflict.

"With a heavy heart, I find myself unable to continue, in good conscience, to remain a part of Ben & Jerry's after 47 years," Greenfield articulated in a statement on the X platform.

Despite the 2000 merger agreement with Unilever—when Ben & Jerry's was purchased for $326 million—that was assumed to protect the unique autonomy of the Vermont-based brand, Greenfield's exit highlights significant disagreements.

Known for its commitment to social issues, Ben & Jerry's has been at odds with Unilever, notably since 2021, when it decided to halt ice cream sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in reaction to ongoing tensions in Gaza.

Greenfield lamented the loss of the company's autonomy, stating, "To come to the conclusion that our independence—the cornerstone of our agreement with Unilever—is lost, is profoundly disappointing."

In the meantime, Unilever is in the process of divesting its ice cream operations into a standalone unit named the Magnum Ice Cream Company, with plans for a public listing in November.

A representative from Unilever shared that the company does not concur with Greenfield's view, highlighting efforts to have constructive dialogues with both founders aimed at reinforcing Ben & Jerry's renowned values-driven approach.

The spokesperson emphasized their dedication to Ben & Jerry's comprehensive mission, encompassing product quality, economic performance, and social impact. They affirmed a commitment to further the legacy of advocating for peace, love, and ice cream, underscoring the brand’s significant role within The Magnum Ice Cream Company and its ongoing success.