Ben & Jerry’s co -founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream company founded in 1978, stating that brand freedom to position itself on social issues was stifled by controller Unilever ().
“I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, continue as an employee of Ben & Jerry’s,” Greenfield said in a letter published on the Free Ben & Jerry’s campaign website. “Ben & Jerry’s was silenced, placed aside for fear of disturbing those in power.”
The decision occurs at a delicate time for Unilever, a consumer goods giant, which has sought investors while preparing to list its ice cream unit as an independent company in mid -November. THE Financial Times He was the first to report Greenfield’s letter and plans.
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Ben & Jerry’s, famous for popular flavors like Chunky Monkey and Cherry Garcia, has always been vocal to social and political issues. When Unilever bought the brand in 2000, Ben & Jerry’s negotiated a detailed agreement to protect its right to manifest itself, including the creation of an independent council to oversee its social mission.
In recent years, the relationship between Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s independent council sour, and the council is currently suing Unilever in the US, alleging attempts to restrict its freedom.
“It is deeply disappointing to come to the conclusion that this independence, the basis of our sale to Unilever, is over,” Greenfield said in the letter.
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Greenfield is leaving the position of brand ambassador, a paid role he had since the acquisition. He is not involved in the legal dispute, Unilever said.
“We disagree with his perspective [Jerry] And we seek to involve both co-founders in a constructive conversation on how to strengthen Ben & Jerry’s powerful values in the world, ”said a Magnum spokesman.
Greenfield and co -founder Ben Cohen said they want to repurchase the mark. Cohen stated Bloomberg That there is a group of investors “capable and ready” to make an offer for Ben & Jerry’s. “The only problem is that Unilever and Magnum said they are not open to it.”
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Cohen protested outside London where the new unit, now called The Magnum Ice Cream Company, held his first day of capital market last week.
Magnum CEO Peter has Kulve said the Ben & Jerry’s brand is not for sale and is fully integrated with the new company.
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