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Ben & Jerry’s independent board of directors has sparked controversy by describing the conflict in Gaza as “genocide,” further straining its already fraught relationship with its parent company, Unilever. The board’s statement, first highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, expressed solidarity with those opposing what it termed as genocide in Gaza, a move representing one of the most direct corporate critiques of Israel's actions in the region.

“The members of Ben & Jerry's social mission board do not speak for anyone other than themselves," responded a Unilever spokesperson, swiftly distancing the company from the statement. This response underscores the longstanding and contentious dynamic between the Vermont-based ice cream brand and its London-based corporate owner.

Ben & Jerry’s has a history of aligning its brand with progressive causes. Notably, the company ceased the sale of its products in Israeli-occupied territories in 2021, arguing that it conflicted with its values. This decision led to significant backlash, including shareholder divestment and legal disputes with Unilever, until the matter was resolved in 2022. Despite this settlement, new legal challenges have emerged, accusing Unilever of attempting to muzzle Ben & Jerry’s advocacy for Palestinian rights.

The discord between the two entities intensified when Unilever recently suggested withdrawing its $5 million annual funding to the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, unless the foundation agreed to an expedited audit of its donations. These financial tensions are compounded by accusations from Ben & Jerry’s that Unilever removed their chief executive due to the brand's anti-Trump stance.

Ben & Jerry's unique operating structure allows its independent board to retain control over the brand’s social mission and marketing. This arrangement has resulted in frequent clashes, particularly over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unilever has criticized the board's decisions, suggesting they embroil both companies in an exceptionally divisive issue.

Unilever has recently explored various strategic shifts, including announcing plans to spin off its ice cream business to streamline operations and focus on higher-growth areas. However, Ben & Jerry’s activism and the resultant backlash have complicated Unilever's broader branding and operational strategies, fueling ongoing discord.

In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s decision to halt sales in Jewish settlements sparked significant legal and financial repercussions for Unilever. This included accusations of violating anti-boycott laws, resulting in lawsuits, sanctions, and massive stock withdrawals. In response, Unilever sold its Ben & Jerry’s business operations in Israel to a local distributor to maintain sales continuity. Subsequently, Ben & Jerry’s filed a lawsuit against Unilever, claiming that the sale breached their acquisition agreement and undermined the board's autonomy over social impact decisions.

The recent comments from Ben & Jerry's board highlight the enduring complexities and ongoing tensions within their relationship with Unilever, as both entities continue navigating the intricate landscape of corporate activism and global political conflicts.