Ben & Jerry's co-founder quits and says brand has been 'silenced'

"Greenfield wrote that "what allowed the company to be more than just an ice cream company" was the "independence to pursue our values" - which was guaranteed in an agreement with Unilever when the conglomerate purchased the company in 2000 for $326 million. "For more than twenty years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry's stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice, and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world," Greenfield said."

"In a letter penned by Greenfield and shared on social media by Cohen, the co-founder said stepping back from the company was one of the "hardest and most painful decisions" he had made but "can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry's". The firm has long advocated for social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, refugee rights, climate activism, fair trade and supporting Palestine."

Ben & Jerry's was founded in 1978 by Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen in Burlington, Vermont and became known for flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey. The company long advocated for causes including LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, refugee rights, climate action, fair trade and support for Palestine. Unilever bought the company in 2000 for $326 million with a merger agreement intended to protect Ben & Jerry's social mission and governance independence in perpetuity. After 47 years, Greenfield resigned, saying he could no longer in good conscience remain an employee because that independence has been lost and the company's ability to pursue its values has been silenced.

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