Why Ben & Jerry’s Founder Just Quit
In a surprising turn of events, Jerry Greenfield, one half of the iconic ice cream duo Ben & Jerry’s, has announced his resignation from the company he co-founded over four decades ago. This decision, shared via a statement on social media platform X, marks a significant departure from a brand known not just for its innovative flavors, but for its relentless commitment to social causes, including racial justice, voter rights, and marriage equality.
Since their founding in 1978, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have built a powerful brand characterized by its activism and quirky products. However, a mounting tension between the founders and their parent company, Unilever, has overshadowed this legacy. The clash, largely intensified since 2021, stems from diverging philosophies regarding corporate responsibility and social activism. Advocating for various causes has always been a cornerstone of Ben & Jerry’s mission, but this passion has increasingly been met with corporate constraints and challenges posed by the larger, profit-driven Unilever umbrella.
Ben & Jerry’s produces hundreds of millions of pints of ice cream each year, a testament to its popularity and reach. The video takes viewers inside the ice cream factory, revealing the meticulous processes that ensure quality and innovation. From sourcing the finest ingredients to creating tantalizing flavors that carry messages of social change, every step is conducted with purpose. It showcases the company’s commitment to making not only delicious ice cream but ice cream that stands for something far greater.
As the video progresses, it delves deeper into the company’s unique culture, blending fun and flavor with a mission-driven approach. It highlights how flavors are often inspired by social issues, encapsulating advocacy in every bite. This dedication, however, raises questions about how such a passionate ethos can coexist within a massive corporate entity like Unilever, known for its stringent profit margins and shareholder expectations.
Greenfield’s announcement has sparked discussions among fans and social justice advocates alike, as they ponder the future of a company that has long served as a beacon of progressive values. The video explores these dynamics, juxtaposing the history of the beloved ice cream brand with the pressing challenges it faces in a corporate landscape that often prioritizes profits over principles.
In the end, Jerry’s resignation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between maintaining authentic values in a rapidly commercializing world and the necessity for companies to adapt to corporate realities. As he steps away, the future of Ben & Jerry’s and its commitment to social justice hangs in the balance, raising the ever-pressing question: Can a brand built on activism thrive under the constraints of corporate ownership?
This informative video not only chronicles the dramatic shift surrounding Jerry Greenfield’s departure but also highlights the intricate dance between business operations and advocacy that continues to define Ben & Jerry’s legacy.
Watch the video by Business Insider
Video “Why Ben & Jerry’s Founder Just Quit” was uploaded on 09/19/2025 to Youtube Channel Business Insider