Overview
- Cohen told Süddeutsche Zeitung he will not stay with a company that cannot fulfill its social mission if a buyback from Unilever does not happen.
- Jerry Greenfield resigned in September, alleging Unilever curtailed Ben & Jerry’s political activities.
- The founders launched the Free Ben & Jerry’s campaign seeking a return to independent ownership with socially oriented investors.
- Unilever rejects the allegations, says it sought constructive talks, and plans to spin off its ice-cream business while stating it has not intended to sell the brand.
- Cohen announced a watermelon sorbet in Palestinian flag colors under his Ben’s Best label to show solidarity, which he presents as action he could not take within the company.