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Jerry Greenfield Resigns From Ben & Jerry’s, Citing Political Pressure From Unilever

He says the independence promised in the 2000 sale has vanished, leaving the brand “silenced” on domestic politics.

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, partnered with MoveOn to hand out free ice cream at Franklin Square in Philadelphia during their Scoop The Vote tour to get-out-the-vote for Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats down the ballot. on Sept. 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images for MoveOn/Courtesy)
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Overview

  • Greenfield’s resignation letter, posted by co-founder Ben Cohen, stresses curtailed domestic speech and does not address Israel.
  • The departure comes after a yearslong rift that began with the 2021 decision to halt sales in occupied Palestinian territory and the subsequent split of the Israeli business.
  • In 2025, Unilever removed Ben & Jerry’s CEO over pro-Palestinian activity, cut funding to the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, and continued plans to spin off the ice-cream unit into the Magnum Ice Cream Company.
  • Magnum said it disagrees with Greenfield’s characterization and has sought constructive talks with both founders.
  • Cohen will remain in his role and continues public advocacy on Gaza, while separate reporting says Unilever objected to planned stances opposing President Donald Trump and celebrating Black History Month.