• Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, resigns after 47 years.
• His resignation stems from Unilever's perceived silencing of the brand's social activism.
• Unilever’s control has intensified since Ben & Jerry's stance against sales in Israeli settlements.
• The brand is currently at odds with Unilever regarding its independence and social mission.
• Greenfield aims to continue advocating for social justice outside the company.

Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield announced his resignation after 47 years, citing the brand's loss of independence to speak on social issues due to its parent company, Unilever. In a heartfelt letter shared on social media by co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed that he could no longer "in good conscience" remain affiliated with a company he feels has been "silenced" by Unilever's influence. "For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry's stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice, and human rights," he stated, indicating his profound disappointment in the company's direction under Unilever's governance, according to Reuters, BBC, and Newsweek.

The rift between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever surfaced prominently after the ice cream maker announced in 2021 that it would cease sales in Israeli-occupied territories, a move that sparked legal disputes and accusations of silencing its social mission. Greenfield's letter emphasized that the integrity of their social mission is crucial, especially during a time when civil rights are being challenged. He stated, "Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important," highlighting his fears that the company's legacy is being compromised, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters, and Business Insider.

Following Greenfield's resignation, Unilever's ice cream unit, Magnum, issued a statement indicating that it disagrees with Greenfield's perspective and insists on engaging with both co-founders regarding the brand's future direction. Despite their longstanding conflict, Unilever remains committed to the mission of Ben & Jerry’s. However, Greenfield and Cohen are determined to see the brand operate independently without the constraints imposed by Unilever. Cohen has hinted at potential offers from investors interested in acquiring Ben & Jerry's, although attempts to facilitate a sale have been blocked by Unilever, as detailed by Le Monde, SFGate, and NPR.

Amid ongoing tensions, Greenfield made it clear that he would continue advocating for social justice outside of Ben & Jerry's, as he deemed the brand's current environment incompatible with his values. He remarked, "It was always about more than just ice cream — it was a way to spread love and invite others into the fight for equity, justice, and a better world," further underscoring his dedication to the larger social cause, according to Middle East Eye and Los Angeles Times.