Ben & Jerry’s Co-founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns, Accusing Unilever of Undermining Social Mission
BURLINGTON, VT – Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, has resigned from the company’s board, citing Unilever’s actions as a betrayal of the brand’s progressive social mission.Greenfield’s departure marks a notable escalation in tensions between the brand’s founding principles and its corporate owner.
Ben & Jerry’s was established in 1978 by Greenfield and Perry Cohen after completing a $5 correspondence course in ice-cream making. They opened their first store in a renovated petrol station in Burlington, Vermont, with a stated mission to “advance human rights and dignity.” The company quickly became known for its quirky flavors – including Peace Pops, Cherry Garcia (named after Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia), and Cool Britannia – and its commitment to charitable giving, donating nearly 8% of annual pre-tax profits from 1985 onward.
The brand’s success attracted the attention of Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326m. The deal included stipulations designed to protect the brand’s independence and allow it to continue advocating for social and political causes. However, Greenfield believes Unilever has increasingly prioritized profit over principle.
“Though much a [formerly] self-reliant company will try to retain its identity and ethos, the corporate [buyer] will invariably call the shots in the long run,” said Nick Stockley, partner and dispute resolution specialist at law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.
