Key Metrics
9.7
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelNational
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Last Update2025-09-17
Key Impacts
Negative Impacts (3)
Event Overview
The resignation highlights a conflict between corporate ownership and brand identity. The dispute centers on the limitations placed by the parent company on the brand's advocacy for social and political causes, which are perceived as fundamental to the brand's ethos. This situation underscores tensions in maintaining a brand's core values under new management.
Collect Records
Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Over Dispute with Unilever
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has resigned from the ice cream brand after 47 years. The resignation is due to a dispute with Unilever, the British owner of Ben & Jerry's, over restrictions on the brand's ability to advocate for social and political causes. Greenfield claims that the brand has been 'silenced' on these issues, which he feels are integral to the company's identity. The relationship between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever has deteriorated, with Ben & Jerry's stating that Unilever has undermined its values, while Unilever disputes this, claiming it has supported the brand’s values-based position for over 20 years. Despite not holding official roles for decades, Greenfield and the other co-founder, Ben Cohen, have continued to serve as brand ambassadors. Ben & Jerry's, known for promoting new flavors and store openings, has been limited in advocating for social justice issues such as civil rights, voting rights, and the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community, due to fear of upsetting those in power. Greenfield specifically cites a loss of independence and censorship under Unilever's ownership, particularly amid Trump's attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.