Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield quits after nearly 50 years, deepening a bitter row with Unilever over the brand’s social activism. Here’s why it matters now.
A Shocking Exit After 50 Years
How often does someone walk away from the company they built from scratch? That’s exactly what Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has just done — quitting after nearly half a century. His reason? A clash with parent company Unilever over whether the ice cream brand should keep speaking out on social issues.
Why This Row Keeps Making Headlines
Ben & Jerry’s has always been about more than ice cream — from LGBTQ+ rights to climate campaigns. But things boiled over in 2021, when the brand said it would stop selling in Israeli settlements. Since then, tensions with Unilever have only grown.
Greenfield says Unilever has “silenced” Ben & Jerry’s social voice, despite a deal 25 years ago that was meant to protect it. UK investors are watching closely too, with some warning this is about more than ice cream — it’s about whether big brands can still stand up for causes without corporate pushback.
Why the UK Should Care
At first glance, this might feel like an American row. But here in the UK, where Ben & Jerry’s has a strong fanbase, the story raises bigger questions. Should a brand you buy at Tesco or Sainsbury’s also take a stand on global conflicts? Or should it just stick to selling dessert?
The Scoop Going Forward
Jerry Greenfield’s departure is a turning point in a decades-long fight over brand activism. For UK consumers, the question now is simple: will your favourite tub still come with a side of values?
👉 What do you think — should Ben & Jerry’s keep mixing politics with ice cream?
