Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Dumps Unilever: Ice Cream Empire's Bitter Split!

2025-09-17 18:00:40.641

Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years, citing a loss of independence to speak out on social issues under parent company Unilever. In a letter posted on X by co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed disappointment that the brand's ability to advocate for peace, justice, and human rights has been stifled by Unilever. He noted that this loss of independence comes at a time when the current administration is attacking various civil rights. Greenfield stated that Ben & Jerry's has been silenced for fear of upsetting those in power, highlighting that true values are tested during challenging times. He emphasized that Ben & Jerry's was always about more than just ice cream; it was a vehicle to spread love and fight for equity and justice. Unilever is spinning off its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry's, into a standalone company called The Magnum Ice Cream Company. Greenfield and Cohen have been pushing for Ben & Jerry's to become independently owned again, disagreeing with Magnum's stance. A Magnum spokesperson thanked Greenfield for his contributions but disagreed with his perspective, stating their commitment to Ben & Jerry's mission. The relationship between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever has been strained for some time. In March, Ben & Jerry's claimed Unilever unlawfully removed its CEO in retaliation for social and political activism. The companies have clashed over Ben & Jerry's decision to stop serving Israeli settlements in 2021 and Unilever's subsequent sale of its Israeli business. In November 2023, Ben & Jerry's sued Unilever, accusing it of silencing the brand's statements supporting Palestinians. Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000, but the partnership has become increasingly contentious.