Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Amid Social Activism Dispute

Jerry Greenfield Departs Ben & Jerry's

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, announced his resignation after nearly 50 years, citing restrictions imposed by parent company Unilever on the ice cream maker's social activism.

Origins of the Dispute

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's decision to halt sales in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem sparked controversy. Greenfield claims Unilever has since stifled the brand's independent social mission, despite agreements made during the 2000 merger.

Unilever's Position

A spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company, the new entity being spun off from Unilever, expressed gratitude for Greenfield's contributions but disagreed with his perspective. They stated ongoing dialogue with both co-founders aimed at reinforcing Ben & Jerry's values-based approach.

Legal and Leadership Turmoil

Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry's filed a lawsuit in a US court, alleging Unilever breached the merger agreement by silencing its social mission. The dispute followed claims that Unilever pressured the company to stop criticising then-President Donald Trump and led to the removal of CEO David Stever.

Protest and Arrest

Co-founder Ben Cohen was arrested during a protest at a US Senate hearing over military aid to Israel and conditions in Gaza. Cohen and other demonstrators face various charges related to the disruption.

Greenfield's departure highlights ongoing tensions between Ben & Jerry's founding activists and Unilever over the brand's social mission and operational independence.

This topic was reported by BBC.

Explore useful articles in World News as of 17-09-2025. The article titled " Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Amid Social Activism Dispute " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the World News field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.

The " Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Amid Social Activism Dispute " article expands your knowledge in World News, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.