Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Amid Unilever Clash
Ben & Jerry's was started by friends who wanted to make ice cream and stand up for important causes.
After a new owner, Unilever, took over, one of the founders, Jerry Greenfield, felt the company couldn't speak out as much anymore on social issues.
He decided to leave because he felt the brand's activism was being restricted.
His friend, Ben Cohen, supported his decision.
People online are backing Jerry and supporting the original vision of the brand.
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, resigned from the company.
Greenfield cited frustration with parent company Unilever's limitations on the brand's activism.
He felt Ben & Jerry's was 'muzzled' on social justice issues.
Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry's in 2000 and allowed a board to guide its social mission.
Netizens expressed support for Greenfield's decision and Ben & Jerry's original values.
- Who
- Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's
- What
- Resigned from Ben & Jerry's
- When
- Not specified, but recent
- Where
- Ben & Jerry's
- Why
- Due to feeling 'silenced' by Unilever regarding social justice issues
Activist Founders
Unilever Management
Brand Activism
Activist Founders
Ben & Jerry's should be outspoken on social and political issues.
Unilever Management
Unilever may have a more cautious approach or different priorities regarding brand activism.
- Event
- Jerry Greenfield's resignation from Ben & Jerry's
- Co-Founder
- Jerry Greenfield
- Company
- Ben & Jerry's
- Parent Company
- Unilever
- Reason
- Alleged silencing of brand's activism
- Year of Acquisition
- 2000
