Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, has resigned, citing a deep disagreement with parent company Unilever over its handling of the company's social activism. Greenfield's departure marks a dramatic escalation in a long-running feud that highlights the complex challenges of balancing corporate social responsibility with profit-driven business practices.
In a strongly worded resignation letter, Greenfield accused Unilever of silencing Ben & Jerry's progressive voice, particularly concerning its stance on crucial social and political issues. He lamented that the company, once a vocal advocate for social justice, had become hesitant to publicly address matters concerning civil rights, voting rights, immigration, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, fearing reprisal from those in power.
This conflict is rooted in the 2000 merger between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever. While the agreement established an independent board to safeguard the company's social mission, tensions have steadily risen over the years. Both Greenfield and his co-founder, Ben Cohen, have consistently clashed with Unilever regarding the company's independence and its freedom to express its values. The dispute intensified with Ben & Jerry's lawsuit against Unilever earlier this year, alleging that the firing of Ben & Jerry's CEO was retaliatory for the company's continued activism.
Unilever, through its Magnum Ice Cream Co. (which includes Ben & Jerry's), responded with a statement acknowledging Greenfield's contributions but expressing disagreement with his perspective. They affirmed their commitment to Ben & Jerry's three-part mission – product, economic, and social – and emphasized their intent to uphold the brand's legacy. However, the impending demerger of Magnum from Unilever in mid-November adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Legal experts point to the unusual merger agreement as the source of much of the tension. The ambiguity surrounding the division of responsibility between the independent Ben & Jerry's board (responsible for social messaging) and Unilever (responsible for operational oversight) has fueled the ongoing conflict. This disagreement over the boundaries of social responsibility versus operational considerations has been a central point of contention for years.
Cohen has openly championed the "Free Ben & Jerry's" campaign, urging Unilever or Magnum to divest from the company. He believes the relationship is irreparably damaged and that a separation is necessary to allow Ben & Jerry's to retain its independent voice and social mission. The future of the beloved ice cream brand remains uncertain as the dispute unfolds.
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Originally published at: https://www.npr.org/2025/09/17/nx-s1-5544283/ben-jerrys-jerry-greenfield-resigns-unilever
