Ben & Jerry’s co-founder says ice cream brand’s activism is ‘silenced’ in resignation
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has announced his resignation from the ice cream company, citing that the brand’s activism is being “silenced” by its parent company, unilever. Greenfield expressed disappointment that the independence guaranteed in their original agreement with Unilever-allowing Ben & Jerry’s to pursue social justice causes-no longer exists. Known for their outspoken stances on issues such as returning land to Native tribes and supporting gender-affirming care,the founders have made activism a core part of the brand’s identity. Greenfield stated that fear of upsetting those in power has led to the company’s muted voice, prompting his decision to step down after 47 years. He intends to continue advocating for equity and justice outside of ben & Jerry’s. Co-founder Ben Cohen shared Greenfield’s statement and highlighted the significance of maintaining their values. The article also references the founders’ recent political engagements and protests.
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder says ice cream brand’s activism is ‘silenced’ in resignation
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield said Tuesday that he is splitting from the ice cream company, claiming that it is being “silenced” by its parent company, Unilever.
Ben & Jerry’s and its two co-founders are known for being vocal about current events and politics, such as advocating returning lands to native tribes and “gender-affirming care.” Co-founder Ben Cohen said Greenfield made the “difficult decision” to resign after 47 years with the company, sharing a lengthy statement from Greenfield on X explaining his exit.
“What has made their work so important to me, and what allowed the company to be more than just an ice cream company, was the independence to pursue our values, which was guaranteed when Unilever bought the company,” Greenfield’s statement reads. “For more than twenty 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.”
“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 said. “It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.”
Greenfield also said Ben & Jerry’s is being “silenced” out of “fear for upsetting those in power.” He concluded his statement by saying he would continue to work toward “equity, justice and a better world” outside Ben & Jerry’s.
The Washington Examiner contacted Unilever for comment.
Greenfield and Cohen advocated former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign by introducing an ice cream flavor called “Kamala’s Coconut Jubilee,” a reference to her famous “fell out of a coconut tree” remark. The flavor was introduced under the Ben’s Best ice cream brand, which is not affiliated with the Ben & Jerry’s brand.
Cohen also went viral in May when he and several protesters disrupted a Senate hearing for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Cohen appeared to be shouting, “You’re killing poor kids in Gaza and paying for it by cutting Medicaid for kids here,” as Capitol Police escorted him out.
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