From Ice Cream Class to Billion-Dollar Business: The Remarkable Journey of Ben & Jerry and Its Corporate Challenges

Ben & Jerry’s, the beloved ice cream brand known for its innovative flavors and social activism, is facing a significant shake-up after co-founder Jerry Greenfield announced his resignation. This decision marks a dramatic turn in the company’s nearly five-decade journey, highlighting growing tensions with its corporate owner, Unilever. Greenfield’s departure raises questions about the future of the brand that started in a Vermont gas station and became a global icon.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame

The origins of Ben & Jerry’s trace back to a seventh-grade gym class in Merrick, New York, where founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield first forged their friendship. After reuniting in their twenties, they decided to launch a business together in 1977. Initially considering various snack options, they ultimately chose ice cream due to lower production costs. They embarked on a $5 correspondence course in ice cream production, which paved the way for their first scoop shop in a dilapidated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, in 1978.

Combining their savings of $12,000—derived from personal funds and a bank loan—they introduced unique flavors that would soon capture the attention of consumers across the nation.

Challenges of Corporate Ownership

The company quickly gained traction, reaching grocery store shelves by the mid-1980s. In 2000, Ben & Jerry’s was sold to Unilever for $326 million, a deal laced with bittersweet elements as it included a commitment to maintain an independent board for social activism decisions. Despite the acquisition, the relationship has been fraught with tension over various issues, including political stances and marketing strategies.

The climax of these tensions occurred in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s decided to stop sales in Israeli-occupied territories, provoking backlash from consumers and legal actions from Unilever, which sold the Israeli business without prior consent from the independent board.

Greenfield Resigns Amidst Corporate Conflicts

On September 17, 2025, Jerry Greenfield announced his resignation from Ben & Jerry’s, stating that he could no longer align with the direction of the company under Unilever. His departure was shared through a Twitter post from Ben Cohen, reflecting on his long tenure and the values they established. Greenfield expressed a deep sense of loss over how the company had deviated from its foundational principles.

“It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience… remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s,” he stated, citing irreconcilable differences that led to his resignation.

Reflecting on Legacy and Future

As founders in their 70s, Cohen and Greenfield have remained active in the company despite their changing roles. Their commitment to social values over profits has garnered both fervent supporters and detractors. With Greenfield’s exit, the future of Ben & Jerry’s as a socially conscious brand is uncertain, leaving fans and critics alike wondering about the brand’s direction in a corporate landscape that often prioritizes profit over principles.