Ben & Jerry’s Board Condemns Gaza Conflict as Genocide, Deepening Rift With Unilever

Ben & Jerry’s independent board has reignited tensions with its parent company, Unilever (LON: ULVR), by issuing a bold statement labeling the conflict in Gaza as “genocide.” The ice cream brand, known for its progressive activism, declared its support for global voices condemning the violence, stating, “Ben & Jerry’s believes in human rights and advocates for peace… we stand with all who raise their voices against genocide in Gaza.”

The statement marks another flashpoint in the ongoing dispute between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever, which began in 2021 when the Vermont-based company halted ice cream sales in Israeli-occupied West Bank territories. In 2023, Ben & Jerry’s sued Unilever, alleging attempts to silence its stance on Gaza and criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The latest statement is rare for a major U.S. brand and emphasizes the company’s continued commitment to its social mission.

Unilever quickly distanced itself from the statement, clarifying it reflects only the views of Ben & Jerry’s independent board. “We call for peace in the region and relief for all impacted lives,” a Unilever spokesperson said. The multinational consumer goods giant is currently seeking to dismiss Ben & Jerry’s lawsuit in U.S. court.

Unilever, which plans to spin off its global ice cream division—including Ben & Jerry’s—into a separate entity this summer, has consistently argued that the board oversteps its bounds. The root of the conflict lies in a 2000 merger agreement granting Ben & Jerry’s independent board control over its social mission, a clause now under intense legal scrutiny.

The rift highlights the challenge of balancing corporate governance with activist-driven brand values amid global political tensions.