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Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic Ben & Jerry's ice cream brand, has officially stepped down after nearly five decades, citing deep disagreements with parent company Unilever over its handling of the brand's social activism, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Greenfield, 74, shared his decision in a heartfelt letter released by his longtime business partner Ben Cohen. In the statement, Greenfield expressed his disappointment, claiming the company had been "silenced and sidelined" by Unilever.
"It's with a heavy heart that I leave the company I helped build over 47 years," Greenfield wrote. "Ben & Jerry's was always about more than just ice cream, it was about standing up for justice, equality, and shared humanity. Sadly, those values have been muted out of fear of upsetting powerful interests."
The split stems from a 2021 controversy when Ben & Jerry's announced it would no longer sell products in Israeli-occupied territories. That decision sparked backlash and even led to divestments from Unilever. Although Unilever later sold its Israeli operations to a local franchisee, tensions between the two sides continued to escalate.
Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry's filed a lawsuit accusing Unilever of attempting to dismantle its independent social mission board, which was created when the brand was acquired in 2000 to protect its activism. The brand has been one of the few U.S. companies to openly label the Gaza conflict as "genocide," a stance that has drawn both praise and criticism.
Last week, Cohen staged a protest in London, demanding that Unilever "free Ben & Jerry's" and allow the company to remain true to its founding principles. While Cohen remains with the brand for now, he supported Greenfield's decision to step away.
In response, a Unilever spokesperson stated, "We respectfully disagree with Jerry's perspective. Our aim has always been to support Ben & Jerry's mission while ensuring its long-term growth."
Greenfield said he plans to continue advocating for social justice outside the company. "This was never just about ice cream," he emphasized. "It was about building a better world, and that fight continues."
His departure marks a turning point for Ben & Jerry's as Unilever prepares to spin off its Magnum Ice Cream unit later this year.
