Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has stepped down from the ice cream brand he helped establish in 1978, citing restrictions on the company’s ability to speak out on social issues under parent company Unilever.
“I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s,” Greenfield wrote in a letter posted on the Free Ben & Jerry’s campaign website. “Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power.”
Merger agreement independence under strain
The resignation comes as Unilever prepares to list its ice cream unit, now called The Magnum Ice Cream Company, as a standalone firm in mid-November. When Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, the founders negotiated a merger agreement that included the establishment of an independent board to protect the brand’s social mission. In recent years, however, the relationship between Unilever and the independent board has deteriorated. The board is currently suing Unilever in the U.S., alleging attempts to limit the brand’s freedom to take public positions.
Greenfield will step away from his role as brand ambassador, a salaried position he held since the acquisition, but he is not involved in the ongoing legal dispute. A Magnum spokesperson said the company “disagrees with his perspective” but has sought to engage both co-founders to uphold Ben & Jerry’s “values-based position in the world.”
Cohen seeks buyback as spin-off looms
Co-founder Ben Cohen has expressed interest in buying back the brand. He told Bloomberg that investors are “capable and ready” to make an offer, but Unilever and Magnum have rejected the proposal. Cohen recently protested outside the London venue hosting Magnum’s first capital markets day. Magnum CEO Peter ter Kulve confirmed that Ben & Jerry’s is not for sale and remains fully integrated into the new unit.
Ben & Jerry’s, known for flavours such as Chunky Monkey and Cherry Garcia, has long been outspoken on social and political issues, maintaining its activist reputation even after its acquisition by Unilever.