Ben Jerry's co-founder departs in dispute concerned with Gaza conflict and corporate giant, Unilever
In a surprising turn of events, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, has announced his resignation after nearly 50 years with the company. His departure comes amidst a deepening rift between him and parent company Unilever over political activities and social mission restrictions.
Greenfield's resignation letter, shared by co-founder Ben Cohen, expressed profound disappointment at the conclusion that the company's independence, a cornerstone of their sale to Unilever, has eroded. This sentiment stems from the dispute that began in 2021 when Ben & Jerry's made the decision to stop selling products in Israeli settlements.
Unilever, the global consumer goods company, opposed this move, leading to mounting friction. Greenfield's outspoken stance against Israel over its war in Gaza and its position toward Palestinians in the West Bank has been a polarising issue. His activism, much like that of co-founder Ben Cohen, has included backing controversial critiques of U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine.
The rift between Greenfield and Unilever deepened further over their differing stances on Israel and Gaza. This has led some to question whether Magnum Global, Unilever's ice cream unit, could potentially silence Ben & Jerry's legacy. However, the Magnum Ice Cream Company has expressed gratitude for Greenfield's contributions and mentioned efforts to engage both founders on preserving Ben & Jerry's "values-based positions in the world."
Ben & Jerry's, founded in 1978, has a history of championing various causes such as LGBTQ+ rights and fighting against climate change. As the company pushes for independence ahead of Unilever's planned listing of its global ice cream business in November, the future of this activist ice cream brand remains uncertain.
As Greenfield leaves the company he co-founded, his departure serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between business and activism, and the challenges that come with standing up for one's beliefs.
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