Jerry Greenfield Leaves Ben & Jerry's After 47 Years
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has quit the company after 47 years, citing a conflict with parent company Unilever over the brand's social mission. Greenfield's departure marks the end of an era for the iconic ice cream brand known for its progressive values.
A History of Social Activism
Since its founding in 1978, Ben & Jerry's has been a pioneer in corporate social responsibility. The company has a long history of taking public stances on issues like environmental protection and fair trade. This commitment to social activism was a key part of the brand's identity.
The Unilever Acquisition and Conflict
In 2000, Ben & Jerry's was acquired by Unilever. An independent board was created to preserve the company's social mission, but tensions grew. A major point of conflict was Ben & Jerry's 2022 decision to stop selling its products in the occupied Palestinian territories, which Unilever attempted to override. According to Jerry Greenfield, this was one of many instances where Unilever interfered with the brand's activism.
The End of an Era for Ben & Jerry's
Jerry Greenfield's departure raises questions about the future of Ben & Jerry's as a vehicle for social change. While the brand will continue to produce its popular ice cream flavors, the loss of its co-founder is a significant blow to its identity as a socially conscious company. The conflict with Unilever has come to a head, and the future of Ben & Jerry's is uncertain.