Jerry Greenfield Departs Ben & Jerry's After 47 Years, Criticizes Unilever's Influence

Jerry Greenfield, one of the founders of the ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s, is leaving the company after 47 years. In an open letter, he accuses parent company Unilever of stifling the independence that made the brand known for its clear stances, reports AP.

“Ben & Jerry’s used to stand up for peace, justice, and human rights, not as abstract ideals but in relation to real-world events. That independence no longer exists,” writes Jerry Greenfield in a letter published by co-founder Ben Cohen on X.

He argues that the company can no longer speak freely on important issues for fear of upsetting those in power. Greenfield points to a time when fundamental rights are under severe pressure, saying that the silence makes Ben & Jerry’s something other than what it once was.

Unilever thanks Jerry Greenfield for his contributions but dismisses the criticism. A spokesperson states that the company has tried to engage in constructive dialogue with the founders on how Ben & Jerry’s can continue to be values-driven.

Long-standing Conflict

The conflict between the ice cream company and Unilever has been ongoing for several years. A contentious issue was the 2021 decision to stop selling ice cream in Israeli settlements on occupied land, which Unilever circumvented by selling its Israeli operations to a local entity.

Meanwhile, a legal process is underway in the U.S. where Ben & Jerry’s accuses Unilever of blocking statements supporting Palestinians during the Gaza conflict, as well as campaigns on climate, healthcare, and abortion rights.

Whether the name Ben & Jerry's will remain after Jerry's departure is unclear.