Co-founder of Ben & Jerry's steps down in dispute with Unilever over Gaza clash
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, has announced his resignation after nearly 50 years with the company. His departure comes as the company presses for independence ahead of Unilever's planned listing of its global ice cream business in November.
In a letter shared by co-founder Ben Cohen on Wednesday, Greenfield's resignation was made official. The dispute between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever has not been resolved, with Greenfield's resignation being a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
Greenfield's concerns are centered around the preservation of Ben & Jerry's activism. Unilever opposed Ben & Jerry's decision to stop selling products in Israeli settlements, a move that caused mounting friction. The rift between the two parties stems from this decision, made in 2021.
Ben & Jerry's has a history of championing various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and fighting against climate change. The company's outspoken stance against Israel over its war in Gaza and its position toward Palestinians in the West Bank has been a polarising factor. Co-founder Ben Cohen has been a polarising figure due to his outspoken activism, with recent controversies surrounding his critiques of U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company, Unilever's ice cream unit, expressed gratitude for Greenfield's contributions but acknowledged efforts to engage both founders on preserving Ben & Jerry's "values-based positions in the world." Magnum Global, Unilever's global ice cream business, stated that it had made efforts to preserve Ben & Jerry's activism as part of its global business.
However, Greenfield's decision to resign is due to a deepening rift with the parent company Unilever over its stance on Israel and Gaza. Ben Cohen, the other co-founder, expressed support for Greenfield's decision and criticized Unilever, saying "His legacy deserves to be true to our values, not silenced by Magnum Global."
The planned listing of Unilever's global ice cream business in November is still on schedule. Ben & Jerry's aims to differentiate their positions by opposing sales in "occupied Palestinian territory" while maintaining a stance critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza, which they termed a "genocide"; this reflects their progressive political stance supporting Palestinian rights and calls for ceasefire and justice, distinct from Unilever's more neutral commercial approach.
Ben & Jerry's was founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont. The company's activism and unique flavours have made it a beloved brand around the world. Greenfield's resignation marks a significant turning point in the relationship between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company, Unilever.
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