Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation from the ice cream company after 47 years. He cited a loss of independence to address social issues due to the influence of parent company Unilever. Greenfield's sentiments were shared in a letter posted by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen on social media.

In the letter, Greenfield expressed disappointment that the brand's ability to advocate for peace, justice, and human rights has been compromised. He stated, "For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry’s stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world." He emphasized that the unique merger agreement with Unilever was intended to protect the company’s social mission and values.

Greenfield's resignation comes at a time when he believes civil rights and social justice are under attack in the U.S. He remarked, "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."

The ice cream brand, known for its distinctive flavors and colorful packaging, has a history of supporting progressive causes. Greenfield noted that the company was always about more than just ice cream; it aimed to promote love and invite others to join the fight for equity and justice.

In response to Greenfield's resignation, a spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company, a division of Unilever, expressed gratitude for his contributions but disagreed with his perspective. The spokesperson stated, "We disagree with his perspective and have sought to engage both co-founders in a constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s powerful values-based position in the world."

Tensions between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever have been escalating. In March, Ben & Jerry’s claimed that Unilever unlawfully removed its CEO, David Stever, in retaliation for the company’s social activism. The ice cream maker argued that this action violated their merger agreement, which requires consultation with its board before any CEO removal.

Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326 million, with the expectation that the partnership would enhance the company’s social mission. However, recent events have strained this relationship. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced it would cease sales in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, leading to further complications when Unilever sold its Israeli business to a local company.

In November, Ben & Jerry’s filed a lawsuit against Unilever, alleging that the parent company was suppressing its statements regarding the Gaza conflict. The lawsuit claimed that Unilever also blocked the release of a social media post addressing various social issues that would be challenged during Donald Trump’s presidency.

As part of a broader restructuring, Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream business, including Ben & Jerry’s, by the end of 2025. The company also owns several other brands, including Dove soap and Hellmann’s mayonnaise.