Recent news has placed Unilever $ULVR.L at the center of a heated legal and reputational dispute. The multinational giant has firmly rejected allegations surrounding its handling of a former Ben & Jerry’s CEO transition and contentious social activism. According to statements from Unilever, their offer of a higher role and salary to the former CEO was a genuine attempt at retaining leadership, with the resignation being entirely voluntary.
Unilever $ULVR.L has posted robust first-quarter results, surpassing analysts’ expectations for sales growth. The company’s performance was driven by higher product prices and growing demand for premium offerings. Despite ongoing global trade tensions, Unilever maintains that the direct effect of tariffs will be minimal.
Unilever $ULVR.L is reportedly threatening to halt financial support for the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in the U.S. that donates to causes advocating for social justice. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Unilever is demanding the foundation undergo an expedited review of its charitable contributions in order to continue receiving its annual funding, which amounts to approximately $5 million, calculated based on the sales of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
The evolving consumer preferences in the United States present new challenges for food industry giants like Unilever. Increasingly, shoppers are opting for products from smaller brands, putting the massive revenues of conglomerates at risk.
