Ben & Jerry’s, the beloved ice cream company known for its quirky flavors and social activism, has recently found itself in the midst of a legal battle with its parent company, Unilever. The iconic ice cream brand has accused Unilever of unlawfully removing its CEO, Matthew McCarthy, in retaliation for Ben & Jerry’s outspoken stance on social and political issues.
The dispute began when Ben & Jerry’s publicly denounced the Trump administration’s policy of separating families at the US-Mexico border in 2018. The company, known for its progressive values, released a statement saying, “We cannot be silent in the face of policies that undermine our values.” This was not the first time Ben & Jerry’s had taken a stand on social issues, as they have a long history of advocating for causes such as climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
However, this time, their activism seemed to have caused a rift between the ice cream maker and its parent company. In October 2020, Unilever announced that McCarthy would be stepping down as CEO of Ben & Jerry’s and would be replaced by its own executive, Anuradha Mittal. This decision sparked outrage among Ben & Jerry’s employees and loyal customers, who saw it as an attempt to silence the company’s social and political activism.
In response, Ben & Jerry’s filed a lawsuit against Unilever, claiming that McCarthy’s removal was a violation of his employment contract and was done in retaliation for the company’s activism. The lawsuit also alleges that Unilever has been trying to exert more control over Ben & Jerry’s and its values since acquiring the company in 2000.
McCarthy, who has been with the company for over 20 years and served as CEO since 2018, has been a vocal advocate for social and environmental causes, and his leadership has been integral to Ben & Jerry’s success. Under his guidance, the company has continued to support various social justice initiatives and has even launched a new flavor, “Justice Remix’d,” to raise awareness about criminal justice reform.
In a statement, McCarthy expressed his disappointment with Unilever’s decision, saying, “I am deeply saddened to be leaving a company that I love, and that has been my home for over two decades. I am proud of the work we have done at Ben & Jerry’s to use our platform to advocate for important social issues.”
Ben & Jerry’s has long been known for its commitment to social responsibility and has even incorporated its values into its business model. The company has a three-part mission that focuses on producing high-quality ice cream, being financially successful, and using its success to create positive social change.
Unilever, on the other hand, is a multinational corporation with a diverse portfolio of brands, and some critics argue that it is more concerned with profits than social responsibility. This clash of values has led to tension between the two companies, and the recent events have only amplified it.
The legal battle between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how it will be resolved. However, what is clear is that Ben & Jerry’s will not back down from its commitment to social and political activism. The company has always been more than just an ice cream brand; it is a champion for social justice, and its loyal fans will continue to support it in its fight against Unilever.
In the face of adversity, Ben & Jerry’s has remained true to its values, and this is what makes the company so beloved by its customers. Their unwavering dedication to social causes has inspired many other businesses to use their platform for good, and it is a reminder that companies have a responsibility to do more than just make a profit.
As Ben & Jerry’s continues to fight for its autonomy and values, let us all stand in solidarity with them and support their mission to create a more just and equitable world. Because as the company’s founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, famously said, “If it’s not fun, why do it?” And standing up for what you believe in is definitely worth the fight.
