Ice Cream Manufacturer, Ben & Jerry's, Lament Over Political Divide Affecting Ice Cream Sales due to Increasing Polarization in Public Discourse
In a dramatic turn of events, the founders of Ben & Jerry's have accused their parent company, Unilever, of censorship following the ice cream giant's decision to boycott occupied Palestinian territories. The move, announced in 2021, aligning with the company's "values," has been a significant factor in the strained relations between the two entities.
The boycott decision has been a point of contention between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever, with the latter distancing itself from the move. This rift has cooled the relationship between the two parties significantly, marking a departure from the 20-year arrangement that preceded it.
The company, founded in 1988 and sold for $326 million in 2000, has always been known for its commitment to humanist values. Despite the sale, Ben & Jerry's founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, still retained control over these values. However, this arrangement has shifted since Greenfield's resignation on September 17, 2025, citing feeling "muzzled" by the company's shareholders.
Since then, the Social-Mission Board, which now directs Ben & Jerry's social mission and activism, does not include the founders Greenfield or Cohen. Unilever, in a move to exert more control, has limited the company's independence in social and political matters.
The recent polarization of public debate has disrupted the balance between political awareness and ice cream sales for Ben & Jerry's. The deep freeze between the founders and Unilever is a result of this disruption, with both parties holding differing views on the boycott decision.
Unilever, an Anglo-Dutch conglomerate owning various brands such as Knorr, Dove, Omo, and Magnum, has agreed to let Ben & Jerry's founders promote their humanist values. However, the boycott of occupied Palestinian territories has been a source of controversy and disagreement between the two parties.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Ben & Jerry's and its commitment to social activism remains uncertain. The ice cream giant, known for its progressive stance, continues to navigate the complexities of balancing its values with its corporate responsibilities.
