Ben & Jerry’s co-founder, Ben Cohen, staged a protest at Unilever’s investor day for its ice cream division (soon to be spun off as the Magnum Ice Cream Company). He called for the brand’s independence, citing the need to preserve its social values—especially amid its vocal stance on Gaza.
New Magnum CEO Peter ter Kulve, however, said that the brand would not be sold.
“The business is not for sale. It’s fully integrated in Unilever, in the Magnum Ice Cream Company,” he told investors.
Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s have been at odds since at least 2021 when the Chubby Hubby ice cream maker said it would stop selling in the Israel-occupied West Bank. Ben & Jerry’s has sued its owner over alleged attempts to silence it and called the conflict in Gaza a “genocide“, unusual for a major U.S. brand.
Background & Historical Context
• 2021: Ceasing Sales in the Occupied West Bank
Ben & Jerry’s said it would stop selling products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank because it was inconsistent with its values, a move that led some investors to divest Unilever shares. Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal under international law, however, this move sparked institutional backlash and legal friction with Unilever.
• 2022: Sale of Israeli Operations to Licensee
Unilever sold its Ben & Jerry’s business in Israel to its long-time licensee, Avi Zinger’s American Quality Products. This arrangement allowed sales to continue—including in West Bank settlements—under Hebrew and Arabic branding, which Ben & Jerry’s publicly opposed.
• 2024: Legal Dispute Over Silencing Political Expression
Ben & Jerry’s sued Unilever, alleging suppression of its social mission—specifically attempts to voice support for Palestinians and human rights initiatives. The lawsuit claimed Unilever had tried to dismantle the ice cream brand’s independent board and quash public statements.
@TNPP
Discover more from The New Palestine Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
