Ben and Jerry's co-founder quits, accusing Unilever of silencing social mission
6 hours ago
- #Ben & Jerry’s
- #Unilever
- #Corporate Social Responsibility
- Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, steps away after nearly 50 years, citing loss of independence and social mission under Unilever.
- Greenfield claims Unilever 'silenced' the brand’s social mission, despite a 2000 agreement protecting it post-acquisition.
- Ben & Jerry’s had a dispute with Unilever over sales in occupied Palestinian territories, leading to legal actions and settlements.
- Unilever plans to spin out its ice-cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, with listings in Amsterdam, London, and New York.
- Cohen and Greenfield seek investors to buy back the brand, but Unilever refuses, valuing it at $1.5bn-$2.5bn.
- Ben & Jerry’s was founded in 1978 with a mission to 'advance human rights and dignity' and grew into a major US brand.
- Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 for $326m, with stipulations to maintain its independent board and progressive values.
- Legal expert Nick Stockley notes that corporate buyers ultimately control acquired companies, despite initial independence agreements.