Jerry Quits Ben & Jerry’s, Says Unilever Stifled Ice Cream Firm’s Independence

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years, saying the independence it once had to speak out on social issues has been stifled by parent company Unilever, Michelle Chapman reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Greenfield said the brand’s independence to take stands on social issues had been lost under Unilever. (Photo: Lafayette College)

In a letter posted on X by co-founder Ben Cohen on Greenfield’s behalf, Greenfield said the brand’s independence to take stands on social issues had been lost under Unilever.

“For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice, and human rights — not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world,” 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. It’s profoundly disappointing to conclude that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.”

Greenfield added that the loss of independence comes “at a time when our country’s current administration is attacking civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community.”

He continued: “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. The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose.”

Greenfield emphasized that Ben & Jerry’s, famous for colorful ice cream containers with flavors such as Cherry Garcia and Phish Food, “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.”