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Jerry Greenfield resigns from Ben & Jerry’s Amid Unilever Clash
Key Points
- Jerry Greenfield started the company alongside business partner Ben Cohen in 1978.
- It has long advocated for progressive issues.
- A spokesperson for Unilever said it “disagrees with Greenfield’s perspective” behind his decision to quit.
Greenfield said it came at a time when the current US management is “attacking civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women and the LGBTQ community”.
The sale of Ben and Jerry’s to Unilever in 2000 allowed the brand to maintain the board, with authority over the social mission but not business operations.
Ben Cohen (left) and Jerry greenfield at an event during the 2024 election campaign in support of Kamala Harris. source: Getty / Lisa Lake
In Greenfield’s statement, he said it was “profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone”.
But the company failed to block Unilever from selling the ice cream in west Bank settlements after Unilever ultimately sold the business in Israel to a local licensee, a move the brand sued over, but later settled.
Jerry Greenfield (left) co-founded Ben and Jerry’s alongside friend Ben cohen in 1978. The company was sold to British multinational Unilever in 2000. Source: Aap / AP / Toby Talbot
The brand has sued Unilever a second time over alleged efforts to muzzle it and dismantle the social mission board.
The Rift Between Jerry Greenfield and Unilever: Explained
Jerry Greenfield’s resignation from Ben & Jerry’s highlights a growing tension between the brand’s commitment to social activism and Unilever’s corporate priorities. Ben & Jerry’s, founded in 1978, has a long history of advocating for progressive causes, from racial justice to LGBTQ+ rights. However, since being acquired by Unilever in 2000, the brand has faced increasing pressure to align its activism with the parent company’s broader business interests. The core of the conflict lies in differing views on issues like the Gaza conflict and the extent to which Ben & Jerry’s can independently pursue its social mission. Greenfield’s departure underscores the challenges of maintaining brand values within a large corporate structure.
A key point of contention arose in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s announced it would halt sales in Israeli-occupied West Bank, a decision that sparked controversy and led to financial repercussions for Unilever. While Greenfield and Cohen supported the move, Unilever later sold the business in Israel to a local licensee, effectively circumventing the ban. This action, along with alleged efforts to silence the brand’s activism and dismantle its social mission board, fueled the rift and ultimately led to Greenfield’s resignation. The situation raises questions about the balance between corporate control and brand autonomy, particularly for companies with strong social missions. The future of Ben & Jerry’s social activism under Unilever’s ownership remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked questions
- Why did Jerry Greenfield resign from Ben & Jerry’s?
- Jerry Greenfield resigned due to disagreements with Unilever over the company’s social activism and handling of the Gaza conflict.
- When did Unilever acquire Ben & Jerry’s?
- Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000.
- What is Ben & Jerry’s social mission board?
- Ben & Jerry’s has an independent social mission board that has authority over the social mission but not business operations.
- What was the controversy surrounding Ben & Jerry’s in 2021?
- in 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced it would stop sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, leading to controversy and financial repercussions for Unilever.
- What is the current relationship between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever?
- The relationship between ben & Jerry’s and Unilever has been strained, with ongoing disputes over the brand’s social activism and Unilever’s control.
