Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, announced that Jerry Greenfield is quitting the company he started in 1978 due to a dispute with British owner Unilever. In his statement, Greenfield accused Unilever of limiting the brand’s ability to speak out on social and political issues, which has become synonymous with the brand’s identity.
Greenfield and Cohen sold their Vermont-based ice cream company to Unilever in 2000 for a guaranteed independent status. However, tensions have risen over the years as Ben & Jerry’s has taken stances on issues such as boycotting occupied Palestinian territories and censoring posts that mention certain individuals.
In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s ended its sales in occupied Palestinian territories, leading to backlash from Israel and a battle with Unilever. The company later filed a lawsuit against Unilever, accusing the parent company of breaching its merger agreement for ousting its then-CEO David Stever over progressive comments.
Unilever has rejected all claims made by Ben & Jerry’s, stating that the brand stood up in support of peace, justice, and human rights under their ownership. Greenfield expressed disappointment and frustration with Unilever’s actions, citing a decline in independence that he believes is crucial to the brand’s values.
Greenfield is asking Ben & Jerry’s to be spun off into an independent operation, following several disputes over the years on issues like criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies and Israel’s war in Gaza. Magnum Ice Cream Company has stated that Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale, but will continue to appreciate Greenfield’s dedication to social causes.
Greenfield concluded by stating that “standing up for justice, equity, and our shared humanity” has never been more important, yet the brand has been silenced due to fear of upsetting those in power.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/17/business/jerry-greenfield-quits-ice-cream-brand-intl-hnk