Ben & Jerry’s Accuses Unilever of Suppressing Social Mission Statements

Ben & Jerry’s has escalated its legal battle against Unilever (LON:ULVR), alleging censorship of a social policy statement that mentioned President Donald Trump. The U.S. ice cream maker filed an amended complaint in Manhattan federal court, accusing its parent company of stifling its independence and failing to honor financial commitments.

The dispute stems from Unilever allegedly barring Ben & Jerry’s from publishing a post on Inauguration Day in 2017, which discussed sensitive topics like climate change, healthcare, and wages, citing its mention of Trump. Ben & Jerry’s said Unilever’s ice cream chief Peter ter Kulve dismissed the post, contradicting the brand’s history of progressive activism.

The conflict between the companies began in 2021 when Ben & Jerry’s stopped sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, citing company values. This decision led to shareholder backlash and a lawsuit after Unilever sold its Israeli business to a local licensee. A 2022 settlement required Unilever to respect Ben & Jerry’s independent board and social mission and make $25 million in payments to causes chosen by the ice cream brand.

However, the amended complaint claims Unilever has resisted fulfilling these obligations, withholding $5 million meant for human rights groups and $20 million intended to support Palestinian almond farmers. It also alleges ter Kulve opposed the settlement and dismissed Ben & Jerry’s fair trade almond supplier.

Unilever plans to spin off its ice cream division to streamline its operations, but the ongoing lawsuit highlights tensions over corporate governance and social activism. Unilever has not responded to the allegations.

Ben & Jerry’s, known for its socially conscious mission since its founding in 1978, seeks court intervention to preserve its board's autonomy and enforce Unilever's financial commitments.