Jerry Greenfield, a co-founder of the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company, has announced his resignation amid deep emotional turmoil over his increasingly strained relationship with the brand’s parent company, Unilever. In a heartfelt letter shared on social media by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed that after 47 years with the company, he is leaving with a “broken heart.” He articulated concerns that Unilever has “silenced” Ben & Jerry’s from actively engaging in the social causes that the company passionately supports.
Cohen elaborated on Greenfield’s struggles during an interview, stating, “Jerry has a really big heart. This conflict with Unilever has been tearing him apart for quite some time now.” He emphasized that Greenfield felt Unilever’s ownership was compromising the company’s values, prompting his decision to step down.
Unilever has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation. However, a spokesperson for Magnum, the ice cream division under Unilever, acknowledged Greenfield’s contributions to Ben & Jerry’s while suggesting that the company’s perspectives did not align with his own.
Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326 million, announced plans last year to spin off its entire ice cream division, operating under the Magnum name. Greenfield and Cohen previously requested that Ben & Jerry’s be excluded from this spin-off, hoping it could attract investors who align more closely with the brand’s social mission. Unilever ultimately declined this request.
Cohen expressed optimism about continuing the fight for the company’s original values. “My heart says to keep fighting, and Jerry is very supportive of that,” he said. He believes that consumer demand could influence Magnum to reconsider allowing Ben & Jerry’s to operate under the stewardship of investors who share its social mission.
In response to the lingering tensions, Magnum stated that it has attempted to engage constructively with both Greenfield and Cohen, reinforcing its commitment to Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission centered around product, economic, and social goals.
Cohen, however, took issue with Magnum’s current practices, alleging that the company has stifled Ben & Jerry’s ability to address important social issues. He cited examples where the brand has been restricted from speaking out on matters such as the conflict in Gaza, freedom of speech, and various cultural commemorations.
Despite Greenfield’s departure, Cohen expressed his determination to continue advocating for Ben & Jerry’s values. He characterized the company as a notable success that embodies humanistic principles while still achieving profitability. “I think that Ben & Jerry’s has demonstrated that you can have these humanistic values,” Cohen remarked, underscoring the potential for the brand to thrive while championing social causes.
