Jerry quits Ben & Jerry’s, saying its independence on social issues has been stifled

Summary

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is leaving the company after 47 years, saying he cannot remain where the brand’s independence to speak on social issues has been curtailed by its corporate owner. In a letter posted by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield said Unilever (and now the newly formed Magnum Ice Cream Company after a spinoff) has eroded the autonomy that was promised when the brand was sold two decades ago.

The resignation follows years of escalating tensions: disputes over public statements about Israel and Palestine, an alleged unlawful removal of Ben & Jerry’s CEO earlier this year, a 2024 federal lawsuit by Ben & Jerry’s accusing Unilever of silencing activism, and Unilever’s announced ice-cream spinoff. Magnum — the new ice cream parent — thanked Greenfield but said it disagrees with his view.

Key Points

Jerry Greenfield resigned, saying Ben & Jerry’s has been “silenced” and its independence undermined by its corporate owner.
The founders and the brand have clashed with Unilever over political and social statements, notably over Israel-Palestine and other activism.
Unilever announced a 2024 spinoff of its ice-cream business into The Magnum Ice Cream Company; Magnum says it remains committed to the brand but disagrees with Greenfield.
Ben & Jerry’s has taken legal action and claimed its CEO was unlawfully removed — exemplifying deeper governance disputes with the parent company.
Experts say such friction is common when a values-driven brand is owned by a very large, risk-averse multinational: autonomy promised at acquisition is hard to preserve in practice.

Why should I read this?

Look — this isn’t just about ice cream. It’s a neat case study in what happens when a quirky, activist brand meets a global corporate owner. If you care about corporate activism, brand identity, or how ownership affects what companies can say, this short piece is worth your two-minute skim. We read the detail so you don’t have to.