Ben Cohen Reflects on Jerry Greenfield's Departure from Ben & Jerry's Amid Unilever Pressure

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, says his long-time business partner Jerry Greenfield was "torn apart" by his decision to leave the company after pressure from parent company Unilever to remain quiet about his values. Greenfield resigned in September, citing the conflict with Unilever as "tearing him apart" and feeling a sense of relief that he no longer has to be in intense conflict. Greenfield had prided himself on building a value-driven company that stands up for issues like LGBTQ+ rights and civil rights.

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, expressed his feelings regarding the departure of his long-time business partner, Jerry Greenfield. Greenfield resigned in mid-September following pressure from Unilever, the parent company, to remain quiet about his values. Cohen told CNN on September 17 that Greenfield's decision to leave was "tearing him apart" due to the intense conflict with Unilever 'I'm Glad We're Both Standing Up For The Values Of Ben & Jerry's,' Ice Cream Co-Founder Reacts To Partner's Exit^[1].

Greenfield, who had been with Ben & Jerry's for 47 years, cited the company's values as the primary reason for his resignation. In his public resignation letter, he highlighted the company's commitment to issues like LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, voting rights, and the rights of women and immigrants. Greenfield stated that he could no longer, in good conscience, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry's if the company couldn't stand up for these values 'I'm Glad We're Both Standing Up For The Values Of Ben & Jerry's,' Ice Cream Co-Founder Reacts To Partner's Exit^[1].

Cohen, who plans to stay with Ben & Jerry's for now, is working to convince Unilever to sell the company to a group of private investors who will champion its social mission. He believes that his influence will remain and their friendship will endure despite Greenfield's departure. Cohen described their journey as an "amazing adventure" and expressed confidence in their enduring bond 'I'm Glad We're Both Standing Up For The Values Of Ben & Jerry's,' Ice Cream Co-Founder Reacts To Partner's Exit^[1].