Ben & Jerry's Faces Boycotts: Unpacking The Controversies And Consumer Power

Ben & Jerry's appears to be the next company in line to face the full force of a customer boycott, seemingly for a number of reasons. Just like Bud Light and Target have found out in 2023, consumers have the power to affect the profitability and stock prices of a company, and Ben & Jerry's stock price, or at least for its parent company Unilever, has fallen recently amid boycott calls. While Bud Light faced backlash stemming from its collaboration with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, and Target similarly for launching a collection of Pride-themed clothing, Ben & Jerry's controversy is more complicated.

So why are people now calling for a boycott of an ice cream brand? The answer lies in a series of controversial statements and actions taken by the company. On the Fourth of July, Ben & Jerry's tweeted about America's history with Indigenous land, stating that it "exists on stolen Indigenous land" and announced its commitment to returning it. This statement ignited a backlash, with prominent conservative figures like Jordan Peterson retweeting the message and calling for a boycott. The incident has drawn parallels to the backlash faced by other brands like Bud Light and Target, which have also been criticized for their stance on social issues.

In addition to this, Ben & Jerry's founder Ben Cohen publicly opposed U.S. military aid to Ukraine, citing a desire for peace and diplomacy rather than further conflict. His comments have also been met with disapproval, leading to calls for boycotts from those who disagree with his stance. Furthermore, the company's decision to stop selling ice cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has sparked additional criticisms, with some viewing it as a political statement against Israel's policies.

Finally, accusations have emerged suggesting that Ben & Jerry's is profiting from the exploitation of migrant children in the U.S., which has further fueled the calls for boycotts. The company has responded by emphasizing its commitment to ethical practices and opposition to child labor. As a result, Ben & Jerry's is currently navigating a complex landscape of consumer opinions and political sentiments, highlighting the growing influence of social media on corporate reputation.