(Photo by Marisol Diaz-Gordon/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Not even the world of ice cream is safe from the drama, yall. Jerry Greenfield yes, the Jerry from Ben & Jerrys is officially stepping away from the iconic brand after nearly 50 years. Why? Because, according to his longtime partner-in-scoops, Ben Cohen, Jerry isn’t vibing with their parent company anymore.
In a heartfelt open letter shared to the ice cream brand’s website, Greenfield announced his resignation with a “broken heart.” He alleged that Unilever effectively silenced Ben & Jerry’s ability to advocate for causes like peace, human rights, and racial justice. Ben Cohen shared withNBC that Jerry had been torn apart for a while now and just couldnt stay in a situation where the companys values were being stifled.
The final straw? Unilevers decision to fold Ben & Jerrys under the new Magnum Ice Cream Co. umbrella something both founders had tried to prevent. Additionally, Jerry says he felt “muzzled” by Unilever, especially when it came to speaking out on social justice issues that have always been core to the brands mission.
“Its with a broken heart that Ive decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerrys. I am resigning from the company Ben and I started back in 1978. This is one of the hardest and most painful decisions Ive ever made,” the ice cream icon shared in the letter.
Lets be clear: this isnt just about ice cream flavors. Its about the soul of a billion-dollar brand that built its name on speaking out from Black Lives Matter to climate change to LGBTQ+ rights. According to Ben, Ben & Jerrys has recently been blocked from making statements on everything from the war in Gaza to Black History Month. And while Jerry chose to step away, Ben says he’s staying in the fight: “It’s a big platform…and I think its worth saving.
Magnum issued a statement thanking Jerry for his service, but theyre seemingly still not on the same page.
We remain committed to Ben & Jerrys unique three-part mission product, economic, and social and remain focused on carrying forward the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of this iconic, much-loved brand, a spokesperson for Magnum said.
Meanwhile, Bens calling on consumers to join in on the fight. The ice cream co-founder wants to convince the parent company to let it be run by socially aligned investors. Because, lets face it: this isnt just about whats in your pint its about what the brand stands for.
