Ben & Jerry’s co-founder to leave company | News

BURLINGTON, Vt. (KVOA) – Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, has stepped away from the iconic ice cream brand after 47 years.

Greenfield’s departure stems from a disagreement with Unilever, the company that acquired Ben & Jerry’s 25 years ago.

Part of the acquisition deal included a promise that the co-founders would maintain the autonomy to pursue their values.

For over two decades, Greenfield and co-founder Ben Cohen have actively advocated for peace, justice, and human rights. However, Greenfield said that this began to change recently.

Last week, Greenfield and Cohen requested Unilever to spin off their former company to allow it to operate independently. Unilever refused the request and denies any allegations of silencing the co-founders.