Ben & Jerry’s Sues Parent Company

Ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s says in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that parent company Unilever have silenced its four attempts to express support for Palestinians in Gaza.

 

The lawsuit is the latest sign of the long-simmering tensions between Ben & Jerry’s and consumer products maker Unilever. 

 

A rift erupted between the two in 2021 after Ben & Jerry’s said it would stop selling its products in West Bank settlements because it was inconsistent with its values, a move that led some investors to divest Unilever shares. 

 

The ice cream maker then sued Unilever for selling its business in Israel to its licensee there, which allowed marketing in the West Bank and Israel to continue. That lawsuit was settled in 2022.

 

In its new lawsuit, Ben & Jerry’s says that Unilever breached the terms of the 2022 settlement, which has remained confidential. As part of the agreement, however, Unilever are required to “respect and acknowledge the Ben & Jerry’s independent board’s primary responsibility over Ben & Jerry’s social mission”, according to the lawsuit. 

 

Unilever did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 

More good news for China's COMAC.

 

Chinese regional operator Colorful Guizhou Airlines have placed firm orders for 20 C909 regional jets, becoming the type’s newest operator. The deal, disclosed at the 2024 Airshow China in Zhuhai, also comprises options for another 10 C909s (formerly known as the ARJ21).

 

Comac did not disclose a delivery timeline or financial terms of the deal.