Jerry Greenfield quits Ben & Jerry's over loss of independence
- Jerry Greenfield resigned from Ben & Jerry's after 47 years, citing a loss of independence under Unilever.
- He claimed Unilever is stifling the company's ability to support social justice causes.
- The resignation highlights ongoing tensions between corporate interests and the company's founding values.
In a recent development, Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, announced his resignation from the ice cream brand he co-founded 47 years ago. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between the company and its parent owner, Unilever. Greenfield stated that the brand had lost its independence regarding social issues, which was initially guaranteed by a unique merger agreement when Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000 for $326 million. He expressed deep disappointment, noting that the brand could no longer pursue its mission related to social justice and human rights due to corporate pressures. The conflict traces back to the brand's stance on political matters, particularly its refusal to sell ice cream in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. This decision led to controversies and lawsuits that damaged the relationship between the founders and Unilever. Greenfield lamented that Ben & Jerry's had been