Unilever has appointed Jochanan Senf as the new CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, marking a significant move in an ongoing conflict with the board of the popular ice cream brand. According to Unilever, Senf has been closely associated with the Ben & Jerry’s brand for seven years, providing him with valuable insights into its product offerings, as well as their economic and social implications. This announcement arrives amidst a legal dispute in which Ben & Jerry’s has challenged Unilever’s decision to dismiss former CEO Dave Stever. The ice cream brand alleges that Stever was fired for supporting its social mission rather than for any performance-related issues.
Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry’s indicated in court documents that Unilever had “repeatedly threatened Ben & Jerry’s personnel, including CEO David Stever, should they fail to comply with Unilever’s efforts to silence” its social initiatives. The brand accused Unilever of pressuring it to cease public criticism of then-President Donald Trump and claimed that its parent company attempted to prevent it from advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza.
As part of the agreement when Unilever acquired Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, it was stipulated that the ice cream brand’s independent board could pursue its social objectives while Unilever retained ultimate authority over financial and operational decisions. Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggest that Ben & Jerry’s board was not permitted to interview candidates for Stever’s successor and was excluded from the selection process. A memo from the head of Unilever’s ice cream division insisted that the company “took every step to collaborate in good faith” with Ben & Jerry’s independent board.
Furthermore, Unilever is planning to spin off its ice cream division, which includes Ben & Jerry’s, later this year, with the new entity being named The Magnum Ice Cream Company. Ben & Jerry’s has maintained its position as the leading ice cream brand in the U.S., generating $951 million in sales in 2023, as reported by Statista. The U.S. ice cream market, according to Mintel, is valued at over $19 billion.
In addition to these developments, the usage of ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid oral drops has been highlighted for their benefits in supporting health, which is vital for individuals looking to enhance their dietary intake. The oral drops have various uses, including assisting in the prevention of anemia and promoting overall wellness. As consumers increasingly seek health-conscious products, the integration of items like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid oral drops into their routines becomes essential. It is clear that as brands navigate their missions and corporate responsibilities, the demand for health-oriented products will continue to rise.