Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has resigned from the ice cream company after nearly five decades due to a dispute with its parent corporation, Unilever.

In a statement shared by his co-founder Ben Cohen, Greenfield expressed feeling “muzzled” by Unilever for halting his social activism. He stated that he could not “in good conscience, and after 47 years, continue as an employee of Ben & Jerry’s.”

Greenfield, who established the renowned ice cream brand with Ben Cohen in 1978 in Vermont, USA, described his decision to step down as “one of the most challenging and agonizing choices I’ve ever had to make.”

Unilever obtained Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, but tensions have arisen between the founders and the company in recent years over political and social matters.

The founders contended that Unilever had promised Ben & Jerry’s autonomy, including an independent board. The conflict emerged in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s opted not to sell ice cream in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.

Unilever’s response was to sell the brand in that region to its Israeli licensee. Ben & Jerry’s also alleged last year that Unilever had pressured the brand to cease public criticism of Donald Trump.

Last week, Cohen and Greenfield demanded that the brand be “freed” from its parent company and allowed to operate independently once more. However, Magnum emphasized that Ben & Jerry’s was not up for sale and would remain part of the conglomerate.

In his resignation letter, Greenfield lamented, “It’s profoundly disheartening to realize that the independence, the very foundation of our sale to Unilever, has vanished.”

He added, “It was always more than just about ice cream; it was a means to spread love and engage others in the battle for equality, justice, and a better world.”

Ben & Jerry’s separation from Unilever is part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company’s plans for a stock market listing.

A spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company expressed gratitude to Greenfield for co-founding the extraordinary ice cream brand and transforming his enthusiasm for delectable ice cream and social causes into a remarkable success story.

The spokesperson mentioned, “We appreciate his dedication and assistance over many years and wish him the best in his future endeavors. While we disagree with his viewpoint, we have endeavored to engage both co-founders in a constructive dialogue on how to fortify Ben & Jerry’s values-based stance in the world.”

The commitment remains strong to Ben & Jerry’s distinctive three-part mission – product, economic, and social – and the focus is on upholding the legacy of peace, love, and ice cream of this iconic and beloved brand.

“Ben & Jerry’s is a proud and flourishing element of The Magnum Ice Cream Company, and we anticipate further enhancing its success.”