Unilever in turmoil: ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's calls Gaza war 'genocide'
Food giant Unilever is once again on a collision course with subsidiary Ben & Jerry's. The ice cream brand, known for its outspoken progressive political stances, has called the war in Gaza "genocide," which has upset its parent company.
"Ben & Jerry's believes in human rights and advocates for peace, and we stand with those worldwide who condemn the genocide in Gaza," writes the board of Ben & Jerry's according to various American media. The statement is not yet online, but is already causing quite a stir.
“We stand with everyone who raises their voices against the genocide in Gaza – from petition signatories to protesters on the streets and those at risk of arrest,” the ice cream maker continued.
Unilever's icy responseSuch a sharp political condemnation is a sensitive issue for Unilever, which – like many large companies – prefers to avoid such social divisive issues.
In a statement that shows little collegial warmth, Unilever does not comment on Ben & Jerry's position in detail. "We have taken note of the statements made earlier today by members of the 'social mission board' of Ben & Jerry's. Unilever supports efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution and an end to violence for conflicts around the world."
The company also said it is engaged in a legal battle with Ben & Jerry's board and will not comment on the ice cream maker's positions.
Legal peat fireThe rift between the parent company and the ice cream brand has been simmering for much longer. In 2021, Ben & Jerry's announced that it would unilaterally stop selling ice cream in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. Unilever's head office was furious and decided to sell an Israeli subsidiary, which ultimately allowed the sale of the ice cream in the occupied territories to continue via a roundabout route.
Ben & Jerry's then went to court, and things have never been right within the company since. The lawsuit was settled, but last year Ben & Jerry's filed another lawsuit against Unilever, because the parent company allegedly prevented Ben & Jerry's from speaking out publicly for human rights.
End in sightThe good news, for both sides, is that an end is in sight to the internal squabbling. Unilever has announced that it wants to sell its entire ice cream division and float it on the stock exchange as a separate company.
The ice cream company, which will have its headquarters in the Netherlands, is expected to be spun off by the end of 2025.
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