Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Jerry Greenfield Resigns Amid Dispute with Unilever Over Social Activism

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: CNBC

Updated: Sep 17 2025

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Source: CNBC

Jerry Greenfield's Departure: Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned after nearly 50 years, citing Unilever's suppression of the company's ability to address global issues, particularly the conflict in Gaza.
Concerns Over Independence: Greenfield expressed disappointment over the loss of independence that was a key aspect of Ben & Jerry's sale to Unilever, which acquired the company in 2000 for $326 million.
Unilever's Response: A Unilever spokesperson disagreed with Greenfield's views, emphasizing their commitment to Ben & Jerry's mission and the brand's values, while also noting the upcoming spin-off of their ice cream business.
Social Activism History: Ben & Jerry's has a history of social activism, which intensified in 2021 when the company announced it would stop selling products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to the Gaza conflict.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.