After more than four decades with the iconic ice cream brand he helped build, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has officially resigned from the company. The announcement came on September 17, with Greenfield citing growing tensions between the brand’s founding values and its corporate parent, Unilever.
Greenfield’s departure marks the end of an era for the Vermont-based company known for its quirky flavors and progressive activism. His exit follows years of internal conflict over how Ben & Jerry’s should engage with social and political issues.
Why He Stepped Down
Greenfield stated that he felt increasingly “silenced” by Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000. Despite a unique acquisition agreement that allowed the ice cream brand to maintain an independent board focused on social mission, Greenfield claims that Unilever has gradually eroded that autonomy.
In a public statement, he said:
“I could no longer be part of a company that doesn’t allow me to speak freely about the issues that matter most to me.”
Sources close to the situation say Greenfield had clashed with Unilever executives over recent decisions to scale back public advocacy, particularly around issues like climate justice, human rights, and corporate accountability.
A Chilling Shift in Culture
Greenfield’s resignation follows a broader shift in Ben & Jerry’s tone. While the brand once made headlines for bold stances—supporting Black Lives Matter, calling for prison reform, and criticizing U.S. foreign policy—recent campaigns have been noticeably more muted.
According to insiders, Unilever has pushed for a more “brand-safe” approach, fearing backlash and financial risk. Greenfield reportedly felt this diluted the company’s original mission, which he and co-founder Ben Cohen built around the idea that “business should be a force for good.”
What’s Next for the Brand
Ben & Jerry’s remains a top-selling ice cream brand globally, with flavors like Cherry Garcia, Half Baked, and Phish Food still dominating freezer aisles. But Greenfield’s departure raises questions about whether the brand can maintain its activist identity under corporate oversight.
As of now, Ben Cohen remains involved with the company’s independent board, though he has not commented publicly on Greenfield’s resignation.
;Resize,width=767;)
