Unilever silences Ben & Jerry's co-founder, resulting in his resignation
Ben & Jerry's, the iconic ice cream brand known for its commitment to social justice causes, is making headlines once again. Co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned from the company due to concerns about its ability to advocate for social issues under its current ownership.
In a statement, Greenfield reiterated Ben & Jerry's long-standing commitment to peace, justice, and human rights. He views Ben & Jerry's as more than just a company, but as a means to spread love and fight for equity, justice, and a better world. However, he expressed disappointment over the erosion of the brand's social justice mission and the muting of its voice.
Greenfield's resignation statement comes after a series of joint statements issued by him and fellow co-founder Ben Cohen last week, asking for the release of Ben & Jerry's from the conglomerate. They expressed concerns that decisions made by the parent company, Unilever, have affected Ben & Jerry's advocacy on various issues, including Gaza, indigenous rights, the Trump administration, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
Greenfield claims that Ben & Jerry's has been 'silenced' and sidelined under Unilever's ownership. The spin-off of Ben & Jerry's into The Magnum Ice Cream Company does not seem to have addressed these concerns, as the internal conflict over the company's political activities and independence continues.
Unilever will retain a 20% stake in The Magnum Ice Cream Company for up to five years. The Magnum Ice Cream Company will list later this year, but the search results do not provide specific names of investors who could potentially take over the company if Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield's demand for Ben & Jerry's independence is met.
Jerry Greenfield's resignation statement also refers to real-world events that Ben & Jerry's has spoken out on. Greenfield's concerns about the company's ability to continue its activism under its current ownership have resonated with many, raising questions about the future of Ben & Jerry's as a force for social change.
Ben Cohen, the other co-founder, shared this information on an unspecified platform, adding weight to the concerns about the direction of the beloved ice cream brand. As the situation unfolds, fans of Ben & Jerry's are keeping a close eye on developments, hoping for a resolution that preserves the brand's commitment to social justice.
