Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation after nearly 50 years with the ice cream company. In his letter, Greenfield said he could no longer continue as the brand faced increasing limits on its ability to speak out on social and political issues.

Greenfield explained that when he and Ben Cohen sold the company to Unilever two decades ago, independence on political expression was guaranteed. He now believes that freedom is gone. “It’s profoundly disappointing to conclude that independence is gone,” he wrote, adding that the brand has been “silenced” at a time when issues such as civil rights, voting rights, and equality remain urgent.

The departure comes after years of tension between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever, beginning in 2021 when the company board voted to stop sales in “occupied Palestinian territory.” That decision sparked lawsuits and led to the Israeli branch splitting off under a separate agreement. More recently, Unilever has intervened in company leadership, cut off funding to the brand’s foundation, and prepared to spin Ben & Jerry’s into a new entity.

Ben Cohen remains with the company and has been outspoken on issues including the Gaza war. For the first time, however, Cohen will represent the brand without his long-time partner at his side. Greenfield emphasized that he will continue advocating for justice and equity outside the company.

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Read the full article from the original source:
JTA – Jerry leaves Ben & Jerry’s, progressive Jewish ice-cream giant, as company battles owner on Israel speech
Source: JTA, September 2025