Wed Sep 17 07:51:53 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**
**Ben & Jerry’s Cofounder Jerry Greenfield Resigns, Citing Unilever’s ‘Silencing’ of Social Mission**
**[City, State] -** Jerry Greenfield, one of the cofounders of iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation after 47 years with the company. In an open letter shared by his business partner, Ben Cohen, Greenfield stated he could no longer “in good conscience” remain with a company whose social mission he believes has been “silenced” by its parent company, Unilever.
The primary point of contention stems from Ben & Jerry’s outspoken stance on social issues, particularly its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which the brand has described as “genocide.” Greenfield, known for his progressive activism alongside Cohen, believes Unilever’s actions are a betrayal of the unique merger agreement designed to protect the brand’s independence and values.
Tensions between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever have been escalating since 2021, when the ice cream company announced it would cease sales in the occupied West Bank, citing inconsistency with its values. The brand later sued Unilever, alleging efforts to stifle its voice.
A Unilever spokesperson previously stated they “reject the claims made by B&J’s social mission board” and would “defend [their] case very strongly.” A Magnum Ice Cream Company spokesperson stated they disagreed with Greenfield’s perspective and that they have sought to engage both cofounders in a constructive conversation.
The resignation comes amid growing discord between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever. Cohen recently revealed the brand attempted to orchestrate a sale to investors for $1.5 to $2.5 billion, but the proposal was ultimately rejected.
First Piper 