Overview
- Jerry Greenfield resigned in September, alleging Unilever curtailed the brand’s political activity.
- Cohen and Greenfield launched the “Free Ben & Jerry’s” campaign to push for independence with socially focused investors.
- Unilever rejected the accusations, said it sought constructive talks with the founders, and plans to spin off its ice‑cream unit without indicating a sale.
- Cohen says Unilever blocked a flavor intended to express solidarity with Palestine and announced he is developing a watermelon sorbet in Palestinian colors under his Ben’s Best label.
- The founders retained contractual rights to defend the company’s values when they sold Ben & Jerry’s to Unilever in 2000.