Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Amid Tensions

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has stepped down from the ice cream company, citing a loss of independence due to actions taken by its parent company, Unilever. Greenfield’s resignation, announced on September 17, 2025, highlights ongoing tensions between the ice cream maker and Unilever, particularly regarding the company’s stance on social and political issues.

Ben & Jerry’s, which was founded in the United States in 1978, has a long history of advocating for progressive causes, including environmental protection and human rights. Unilever acquired the company in 2000 for approximately $326 million. However, since 2021, the two entities have increasingly clashed, particularly following Ben & Jerry’s decision to halt sales in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In response to this decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized the company, stating on social media that “now we Israelis know which ice cream NOT to buy.” This controversial stance led to further legal disputes, including a 2022 lawsuit in which Ben & Jerry’s sought to prevent Unilever from selling its ice cream in the West Bank. A US court ultimately blocked this move.

Tensions escalated further when Unilever announced plans to separate its ice cream division, which includes Ben & Jerry’s and other products such as Magnum. This new standalone entity, named The Magnum Ice Cream Company, is expected to begin operations by mid-November 2025.

In his resignation statement, shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed deep disappointment over the company’s current direction. He stated that the “independence to pursue our values” was a key reason for the original merger with Unilever. Greenfield emphasized that under Unilever’s ownership, Ben & Jerry’s had consistently advocated for peace, justice, and human rights in relation to real-world events.

“It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone,” Greenfield said. He noted that this realization comes at a time when the US administration is facing criticism for its approach to civil rights and social justice.

Greenfield indicated that his decision to resign stemmed from a “broken heart,” explaining that he can “no longer, in good conscience, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s.” He remarked on the importance of standing up for justice, equity, and shared humanity, stating that the company has been “silenced” for fear of upsetting powerful interests.

“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,” he added. Greenfield’s departure underscores a significant shift within the company, which has long been seen as a leader in corporate social responsibility.

Cohen, who has also been vocal in his activism, recently faced consequences for his outspoken views. Earlier in 2025, he was removed from the US Senate during a protest against US funding for military actions in Gaza. Cohen voiced strong criticism of the government’s priorities, stating that the majority of Americans disapprove of the current administration’s policies.

As Ben & Jerry’s navigates this transition, the implications of Greenfield’s departure and the ongoing tensions with Unilever remain to be seen. The company’s commitment to its founding values and social mission will be under scrutiny as it adapts to its new corporate structure.