Ben & Jerry’s co-founder quits and accuses Unilever of ‘silencing’ firm’s social activism
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder says quitting company was ‘hardest decision’
- Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned after 47 years, citing the loss of the firm's independence under parent company Unilever to pursue social activism.
- Greenfield stated he could 'no longer in good conscience' remain with the company, expressing profound disappointment that the independence guaranteed at the time of Unilever's acquisition is gone.
- Fellow co-founder Ben Cohen shared Greenfield's departure message, asserting that his legacy should be true to their values and not silenced.
- This resignation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever, which has included accusations of forcibly removing their CEO and a lawsuit over their stance on Palestine.
- A spokesperson for the Magnum Ice Cream Company, which Ben & Jerry's will remain part of, expressed disagreement with Greenfield's perspective and stated they sought constructive dialogue.