Overview
- Cohen told Süddeutsche Zeitung he would not remain with the company if efforts to repurchase Ben & Jerry’s do not succeed, citing an inability to fulfill its social mission.
- Jerry Greenfield resigned in September, alleging Unilever suppressed the brand’s political activity after decades of advocacy under the parent company.
- The founders launched the “Free Ben & Jerry’s” campaign to make the brand independent with socially oriented investors so it can pursue its stated values.
- Unilever rejected the accusations, said it sought constructive talks, and plans to spin off its ice-cream unit including Ben & Jerry’s, while indicating no current intent to sell the brand.
- Cohen announced a watermelon sorbet in Palestinian-flag colors under his own Ben’s Best label, saying he is doing what the Unilever-owned brand could not.