Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has stepped down from the ice cream brand he helped establish in 1978, citing a loss of independence in upholding the company’s core values under Unilever’s ownership. Greenfield’s departure follows his criticism of the brand’s inability to maintain its social activism after Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000.
The co-founder revealed he could no longer “in good conscience” remain with the Vermont-based company, which is now operated by Magnum Ice Cream Company, a Unilever subsidiary. His resignation comes after Ben & Jerry’s failed to prevent Unilever from selling its products in West Bank settlements in 2022, an action Greenfield claimed contradicted the brand’s principles.
Greenfield accused the company of being “silenced” by corporate pressures, particularly under the current U.S. administration, which he said has targeted civil rights, voting rights, and protections for marginalized communities. He emphasized that the independence he and co-founder Ben Cohen sought when selling the company to Unilever had been eroded.
Unilever declined to comment on Greenfield’s claims, stating it disagrees with his perspective and has attempted to engage the co-founders in discussions about strengthening the brand’s values. Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry’s independent social mission board, which excludes Greenfield and Cohen, continues to lead the company’s activism efforts.
The brand has previously drawn attention for its vocal opposition to policies like former President Donald Trump’s immigration measures, standing apart from other corporations that have distanced themselves from similar issues.