Ben & Jerry’s actively supports numerous social justice causes, with the founders getting arrested in the past over such activities.
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand, has resigned from his role as the company’s brand ambassador after a public rift with parent entity Unilever.
In an open letter posted on social media on Sept. 17 by his business partner, Ben Cohen, Greenfield said the company had been silenced by Unilever.
“Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important—and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power. It’s easy to stand up and speak out when there’s nothing at risk,” Greenfield wrote. “The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose.”
Ben & Jerry’s was founded in 1978. When Unilever acquired the brand in 2000, it “guaranteed” that Ben & Jerry’s would be allowed to pursue their values, the letter said, adding that this independence has instead been stifled.
Under Unilever’s ownership, Ben & Jerry’s has spoken on numerous social issues such as human rights, peace, and justice, he wrote.
“That independence existed in no small part because of the unique merger agreement Ben and I negotiated with Unilever—one that enshrined our social mission and values in the company’s governance structure in perpetuity,” Greenfield added.
Greenfield said it was “profoundly disappointing” to realize that this independence, which was the basis of the sale to Unilever, has now gone.
Greenfield’s departure comes at a time when The Magnum Ice Cream Company, under which Ben & Jerry’s operates as a wholly owned subsidiary, is pushing for a full demerger from Unilever.
Magnum, the largest ice cream company in the world, is a Unilever brand that currently operates as a standalone company. Magnum is expected to complete its full separation from Unilever in mid-November.
In an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, a spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company said they were “forever grateful” to Greenfield for co-founding Ben & Jerry’s and wished him well for his future endeavors.
“We disagree with his perspective and have sought to engage both co-founders in a constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s powerful values-based position in the world,” the spokesperson said.
“We remain committed to Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission—product, economic and social—and remain focused on carrying forward the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of this iconic, much-loved brand. Ben & Jerry’s is a proud and thriving part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company and we look forward to further building on its success.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Ben & Jerry’s for comment, but did not receive a response by publication time.
Ben & Jerry’s, headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, employs 501–1,000 workers, according to the company’s LinkedIn profile.
