Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry steps down, stating the company has been suppressed and marginalized in addressing social matters.
In a surprising turn of events, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, has announced his departure from the company after 47 years. Greenfield expressed his disappointment that the independence of Ben & Jerry's, enshrined in the unique merger agreement with Unilever, is no longer present.
Greenfield believes that standing up for the values of justice, equity, and shared humanity has never been more important. However, he feels that Ben & Jerry's has been silenced and sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power. This sentiment was shared in a statement posted by Ben Cohen, the other co-founder, online.
Magnum, the parent company of Ben & Jerry's, disagrees with Greenfield's viewpoint and has sought to engage both co-founders in a constructive conversation. Magnum is focused on carrying forward the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of the Ben & Jerry's brand. In a statement to the Associated Press, they thanked Jerry Greenfield for his contributions and time with the company.
Ben Cohen wrote that his legacy deserves to be true to the values they founded the company on, not silenced by Magnum. He urged followers to 'Help us #FreeBenandJerrys' amidst Greenfield's resignation. The new managing director of Ben & Jerry's after Greenfield's departure has not been explicitly named in the available search results.
The reason for Greenfield's departure is a disagreement with the parent company, Unilever, over limiting the brand's political activities. Many people have suggested that Greenfield should launch a new ice cream brand, with suggestions including 'Jerry's' or 'Jerry & Ben's'.
Online reactions to the news include expressions of sadness, respect for Greenfield's decision to stand by his values, and praise for his commitment to protesting and standing up for basic human rights. Notably, Ben Cohen was arrested earlier this year while protesting the war in Gaza during a Senate health committee hearing.
The full statement from Jerry Greenfield can be read online, where he states that he 'can no longer, in good conscience,' stay an employee of the brand he helped create in 1978. This decision comes at a time when civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community are under attack in the current administration, according to Greenfield.
As Greenfield steps away from Ben & Jerry's, his legacy as a social activist and ice cream entrepreneur remains a significant part of the brand's history. His departure serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of adversity.
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