According to USA Today, Jerry Greenfield, the co-founder and longtime face of Ben & Jerry’s, is stepping away from the $326 million ice cream company after almost 50 years, marking a pivotal moment for one of America’s most recognizable companies. “It’s not the company I helped build,” Greenfield said in a public statement, expressing his concerns about the company’s direction under its parent company, Unilever. His departure has sparked debate about the future of Ben & Jerry’s and the challenges of maintaining founding values within a global corporate structure.
Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s was founded in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, and it quickly became known for its quirky flavors and social activism. Greenfield and his co-founder, Ben Cohen, built the brand on principles of progressive values, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Their approach helped transform Ben & Jerry’s from a local scoop shop into one of the most popular ice cream brands in the world. The company’s commitment to causes, ranging from climate action to racial justice, set it apart in the competitive ice cream market.
Recently, Greenfield announced his exit after 47 years with the company. According to the BBC, this was due to his growing disagreements with Unilever, which acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000. He criticized the multinational’s management style and expressed concern that the brand’s original mission was being diluted. “It’s not the company I helped build,” Greenfield said, underscoring a rift between the founding vision and corporate priorities. His exit comes after a series of high-profile disputes, including lawsuits over Ben & Jerry’s political statements and activism.
Greenfield’s Departure
Meanwhile, Greenfield’s departure has resonated with employees, fans, and industry observers. Many see it as the end of an era for a company that has long been celebrated for its outspoken advocacy and unique workplace culture. “It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee at Ben & Jerry’s,” Greenfield said in a statement that was shared by Ben Cohen on X. “I am resigning from the company Ben and I started back in 1978. This is one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made.”
Beyond Ben & Jerry’s
The implications of Greenfield’s exit extend beyond Ben & Jerry’s. Industry analysts say it shows the broader struggle founders face when their companies are absorbed by large conglomerates. The clash between original values and corporate imperatives is not unique to Ben & Jerry’s, but the brand’s high-profile activism has made the conflict especially visible.
Questions
As Ben & Jerry’s moves forward without one of its founding figures, questions remain about how the brand will balance its activist roots with the demands of a global marketplace. For fans and industry watchers, Greenfield’s departure is a reminder of the complexities involved when iconic brands outgrow their origins.