Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Over Free Speech

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation from the ice cream company, claiming he has been “silenced” by its parent company, Unilever. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions related to the company’s stance on social issues, particularly its previous decision to cease sales in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Background of the Conflict

Founded in 1978, Ben & Jerry’s is renowned for its commitment to progressive causes, including environmental protection and human rights advocacy. In 2000, Unilever acquired the company for $326 million. Since then, the relationship between the two has become increasingly strained, particularly following Ben & Jerry’s 2021 announcement regarding its business operations in the West Bank. This decision provoked a strong response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who publicly criticized the brand on social media.

In 2022, Ben & Jerry’s attempted to sue Unilever to block sales of its products in the West Bank, but a US court ultimately dismissed the case. Compounding these tensions, Unilever announced plans to separate its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum, into a standalone entity called the Magnum Ice Cream Company, slated to operate independently by mid-November 2025.

Greenfield’s Statement on Resignation

In a heartfelt statement shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed disappointment over the diminishing independence that he believed was guaranteed when Unilever acquired the company. He remarked, “For more than twenty years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice, and human rights… This independence existed in no small part because of the unique merger agreement negotiated with Unilever.”

Greenfield emphasized that the current climate in the United States, where he sees attacks on civil rights and social justice, further complicates the situation. “It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence… is gone,” he stated, expressing his belief that the company has been sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power.

His resignation also highlights a broader concern about corporate governance in relation to social activism. “Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important,” Greenfield asserted. “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.”

Greenfield’s departure signals a significant shift for Ben & Jerry’s, which has long been associated with activism and community engagement. Cohen, another prominent activist, has recently gained attention for his protests against US policies regarding Gaza, illustrating the co-founders’ commitment to speaking out on contentious issues.

As Ben & Jerry’s navigates the complexities of corporate ownership and social responsibility, Greenfield’s resignation raises questions about the future direction of the company and its ability to uphold the values it was built upon. This situation underscores the challenges faced by businesses that seek to balance profitability with a commitment to social causes.

With Greenfield stepping down, the ice cream giant faces a pivotal moment in its history, as it must reconcile its founding principles with the realities of corporate governance in a rapidly changing world.