Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years, saying the freedom the company used to have to speak up on social issues has been stifled by corporate parent Unilever.
In April 2000, Ben & Jerry’s sold itself to British multinational food giant Unilever for $326 million ($607 million in 2025 accounting for inflation).[16] In the acquisition agreement, Unilever agreed to carry on the company’s tradition of engaging “in these critical, global economic and social missions”.[17] Following the acquisition, both founders remained employed at the company, though not in a position of operational or managerial responsibility,[18] though Cohen remained on the governing board of directors.[19]
In the acquisition agreement, Unilever agreed to carry on the company’s tradition of engaging “in these critical, global economic and social missions”.
Well, obviously Jerry has reached the limits of what Unilever is willing to tolerate. Or, Unilever has just reneged. Those kinds of things can happen when you sell away your independence and autonomy.
It was an optimistic view on Ben & Jerry’s part, I would agree. 24 years of apparently unimpeded activism isn’t a bad run though, and I’ve never heard of another contract like theirs. As I see it, Unilever violated their contract, but they probably are willing to spend the GDP of Paraguay on lawyers to win that one.
Well, obviously Jerry has reached the limits of what Unilever is willing to tolerate. Or, Unilever has just reneged. Those kinds of things can happen when you sell away your independence and autonomy.
It was an optimistic view on Ben & Jerry’s part, I would agree. 24 years of apparently unimpeded activism isn’t a bad run though, and I’ve never heard of another contract like theirs. As I see it, Unilever violated their contract, but they probably are willing to spend the GDP of Paraguay on lawyers to win that one.
Yes? Don’t tell me your also defending the billionaires who are sad they can’t say whatever on top of their money pile?