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6h ago

Jerry Greenfield Resigns From Ben & Jerry’s, Citing Unilever’s Curbs on Brand Activism

Greenfield says Unilever curtailed Ben & Jerry’s protected social mission under the 2000 merger framework.

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 September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Ben Cohen (left) and Jerry Greenfield (right), co-founders 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 September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Overview

  • Greenfield, 74, announced his departure after 47 years, saying in an open letter that the brand had been “silenced” on Gaza and other issues.
  • A spokesperson for Unilever and The Magnum Ice Cream Company said they disagree with his view and have sought constructive dialogue with both founders.
  • Ben & Jerry’s has sued Unilever in federal court over alleged censorship and governance violations, and Unilever has asked the judge to dismiss most claims.
  • The founders have pressed for a separation as Magnum prepares a public listing targeted for November, but the company says Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale.
  • The conflict stems from Ben & Jerry’s 2021 halt of sales in West Bank settlements and escalated with disputes including Unilever’s contested removal of CEO David Stever; Magnum says Greenfield is not a party to the case.