Ben Cohen, co-founder of the renowned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, recently shed light on the reason behind Jerry Greenfield’s departure from the company. Cohen disclosed that Greenfield decided to quit due to disagreements over the brand’s approach to social justice issues. Greenfield reportedly felt that the company’s stance on matters like Israel was straying from its original mission and values.

In a statement, Cohen emphasized that while both founders have always been passionate about advocating for various social causes, they have had differing perspectives on how the company should engage with certain political issues. This divergence ultimately led to Greenfield’s decision to step away from the ice cream business they had built together.

The departure of Jerry Greenfield, who co-founded Ben & Jerry’s with Ben Cohen in 1978, marks a significant change for the iconic brand known for its progressive activism. The brand has been no stranger to controversy, particularly regarding its stance on social and political issues, which has at times sparked debate and criticism.

Despite Greenfield’s exit, Ben & Jerry’s continues to operate under the ownership of Unilever, which acquired the company in 2000. The departure of one of its co-founders raises questions about the future direction of the brand and how it will navigate its commitment to social justice causes moving forward.

While Jerry Greenfield has chosen to leave Ben & Jerry’s, his decision underscores the complexities that can arise when personal convictions intersect with corporate values in a high-profile business setting. The departure serves as a reminder of the challenges companies face in balancing social activism with commercial success, and the impact such decisions can have on the identity and trajectory of a well-known brand.