Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has resigned from the Vermont-based ice cream company he launched in 1978, citing growing conflicts with parent company Unilever.
Greenfield called it “one of the hardest and most painful decisions” of his life, accusing Unilever of silencing the brand’s political and social activism.
Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned from the ice cream maker as its feud with parent Unilever deepened over its stance on the Gaza conflict https://t.co/jF9jfDr18r pic.twitter.com/liLOkCViq1
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 17, 2025
Ben & Jerry’s, known for its progressive stances, has clashed repeatedly with its owner since being sold in 2000. Tensions peaked in 2021 when the company halted sales in Israeli-occupied territories, sparking political backlash and lawsuits over brand independence. More recently, Greenfield alleged Unilever blocked posts mentioning President Donald Trump and progressive causes.
Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years, saying that the independence it once had to speak up on social issues has been stifled by parent company Unilever. https://t.co/6e1M88DhlU
— ABC News (@ABC) September 17, 2025
Although no longer an executive, Greenfield and co-founder Ben Cohen remained public faces of the company. Greenfield’s departure underscores the deep rift over whether an ice cream brand should remain a vehicle for left-wing activism or simply focus on selling ice cream.
🍦 “Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power,” Greenfield said, accusing parent company Unilever of silencing the brand’s voice on… pic.twitter.com/cBdSFi7atq
— MSN (@MSN) September 17, 2025
