Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand, has officially resigned from the company amid escalating tensions with its parent corporation, Unilever. Greenfield’s departure marks a crucial moment for the Vermont-based company known not just for its whimsical flavors but also for its outspoken political activism.
In a public resignation letter made available online this week, Greenfield expressed frustrations over Unilever’s influence on the company. He claimed that Ben & Jerry’s has been “silenced” and “sidelined” due to fears of aggravating corporate powers, particularly during a period marked by significant socio-political challenges, including attacks on civil and voting rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities. “It was always about more than just ice cream; it was a way to spread love and invite others into the fight for equity, justice, and a better world,” Greenfield articulated in his letter.
The strained relationship between Greenfield, his co-founder Ben Cohen, and Unilever has persisted for years. A significant sticking point has been the 2000 merger agreement that granted an independent board the authority to uphold the company’s social mission while Unilever managed day-to-day operations. Recently, Ben & Jerry’s took legal action against Unilever, alleging that the corporation had dismissed the ice cream maker’s CEO in retaliation for its high-profile activism and social media presence.
In response to Greenfield’s departure, the Magnum Ice Cream Company, which operates under Unilever, expressed gratitude for Greenfield’s years of service but also disagreed with his viewpoint. The company’s statement emphasized a commitment to maintaining Ben & Jerry’s “unique three-part mission” that includes product, economic, and social objectives, while aiming to uphold the beloved brand’s legacy.
Legal experts, such as Ann Lipton from the University of Colorado Law School, highlighted the complexities arising from the original merger agreement. The agreement has led to friction over where operational oversight ends and social messaging begins, blurring the lines of autonomy for Ben & Jerry’s.
As the situation develops, Cohen and Greenfield are advocating for the “Free Ben & Jerry’s” campaign, which calls for Unilever or Magnum to divest from the ice cream brand. Cohen described the partnership as a “marriage that has fallen apart” and expressed a desire for both entities to pursue paths that align with their respective missions. He asserted that it no longer made sense for Ben & Jerry’s to remain interconnected with Unilever.
As significant corporate changes loom on the horizon with Magnum’s planned separation from Unilever in mid-November, the future of Ben & Jerry’s and its commitment to social activism remains uncertain. The co-founders hope to transition the brand to a more aligned ownership model that reflects the values they established in their venture nearly five decades ago.
