Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Dispute: Details

2025-09-18

Ben & Jerry’s has long stood out as more than an ice cream brand. Founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the company became famous for flavors as inventive as its activism. From climate justice to racial equity, its voice has consistently cut through corporate silence.

But in September 2025, that legacy hit a breaking point. Jerry Greenfield resigned from his role as brand ambassador, citing deep disputes with Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s parent company since 2000.

At the heart of the fallout lies the Gaza conflict and broader concerns over corporate freedom, ethical responsibility, and the autonomy of activist-driven brands.

Jerry Greenfield’s Resignation: A Turning Point

Jerry Greenfield’s departure after 47 years shocked the ice cream world. His resignation letter, shared by co-founder Ben Cohen, revealed a clash not about ice cream, but conscience.

Greenfield accused Unilever of silencing Ben & Jerry’s activism, especially over Gaza, where the brand had called the conflict “genocide.” For him, continuing under these constraints meant betraying the original mission.

His statement was stark: the company had been “muted and sidelined out of fear of displeasing those in power.” It was not only a personal farewell but also an indictment of the corporate culture he believed Unilever had imposed.

Roots of the Dispute

The feud didn’t emerge overnight. It traces back to 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s halted sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a move celebrated by activists but condemned by political leaders. Unilever faced lawsuits and mounting pressure from governments and investors. Over time, the tension hardened into a battle over the company’s voice.

Ben & Jerry’s founders had always insisted that social activism was not optional but core. Yet, Greenfield argued that this independence guaranteed in the 2000 merger agreement was being eroded. What was once an unusual arrangement between a multinational and an activist brand had become a flashpoint.

The Social Mission Under Threat

A Unique Merger Agreement

When Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s, the deal included unusual safeguards. An independent board was established to protect the company’s social mission. Unlike most acquisitions, profitability was never meant to be the sole compass; justice, fairness, and equality were built into the governance model.

The Legacy of Activism

Ben & Jerry’s activism has spanned decades: campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights, spotlighting racial injustice, tackling climate change, and promoting fair trade. Their 2021 decision to leave the West Bank was part of this lineage, not an outlier. But to Greenfield, Unilever’s resistance to such positions marked a betrayal of that mission.

Unilever’s Position

Unilever has consistently defended its handling of the situation. Executives emphasized attempts to maintain dialogue with the founders and insisted the brand’s social mission still matters. They argued that balancing activism with global business operations was complex, especially in politically charged contexts like Gaza.

At the same time, Unilever’s decision to spin off its ice cream division including Ben & Jerry’s into a separate company adds a new layer of uncertainty. While this could create opportunities for greater independence, it also risks reshaping the brand under a corporate umbrella less tied to its founding ethos.

Broader Implications for Corporate America

Jerry Greenfield’s resignation is more than an internal feud, it’s symbolic of a shifting corporate landscape. In recent years, American companies have retreated from outspoken stances on divisive issues.

Where brands once embraced ESG and social activism, many now avoid political entanglements, wary of backlash from shareholders and governments alike.

Ben & Jerry’s, however, has consistently defied that trend. Greenfield’s exit raises the question: can activist-driven brands truly survive within multinational giants? Or must they reclaim independence to stay true to their values?

Founders’ Vision and Ongoing Legacy

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield structured their company with a “linked prosperity” model seeking not just profits but fairness across communities and ecosystems. Even in stepping down, Greenfield remains committed to that vision.

The founders have openly suggested that Unilever should spin off Ben & Jerry’s entirely, granting it full independence to pursue activism without compromise.

Whether or not that happens, Greenfield’s departure marks the end of an era. His exit underscores the enduring tension between business interests and moral conviction, between market expansion and ethical expression.

Conclusion

The resignation of Jerry Greenfield is not simply about ice cream, it’s about the future of corporate activism. Ben & Jerry’s has long been a rare brand willing to speak boldly, even when it meant financial or legal risk.

But under Unilever’s ownership, that freedom has been tested. As the ice cream giant heads into a future potentially outside Unilever’s umbrella, its challenge will be to preserve the activism that made it more than just a dessert brand.

For consumers and activists alike, Greenfield’s departure leaves a bittersweet taste, one that reflects both the courage of conviction and the fragility of corporate ideals.

FAQ

What happened between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever?

Jerry Greenfield resigned in September 2025, accusing Unilever of silencing the brand’s activism, particularly over Gaza.

Why did Jerry Greenfield step down?

He said he could not continue with a “clear conscience,” claiming Ben & Jerry’s independence and social mission were being eroded under Unilever.

What role did Gaza play in the dispute?

Ben & Jerry’s called the Gaza conflict a “genocide” and had already stopped selling products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. These stances clashed with Unilever’s approach.

What is unique about Ben & Jerry’s merger with Unilever?

The 2000 merger created an independent board to safeguard the brand’s activism and social mission, separate from Unilever’s broader business control.

Will Ben & Jerry’s become independent again?

The founders have called for independence, especially as Unilever prepares to spin off its ice cream division. Whether that happens remains uncertain.

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