Ben & Jerry's Backs Occupy Wall Street Protesters
The Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Board of Directors has announced their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests writing in a press release:
We, the Ben & Jerry's Board of Directors, compelled by our personal convictions and our Company's mission and values, wish to express our deepest admiration to all of you who have initiated the non-violent Occupy Wall Street Movement and to those around the country who have joined in solidarity. The issues raised are of fundamental importance to all of us.
Founded in 1977 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, Ben & Jerry's is known for taking social stands.
In the company's press release, the Ben & Jerry's team outlined past positions it has taken as a company such as "support for a Constitutional amendment that would limit corporate spending in elections" and "opposition to FDA approval of foods from cloned animals."
The company is also known for its quirky ice cream flavors like Cake Batter and Phish Food ice cream. The newest addition, Schweddy Balls, was recently reviewed by The Huffington Post.
In 2000, Ben and Jerry's was acquired by the consumer goods conglomerate Unilever. It is now a subsidiary of Unilever, which trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol UN.
In November 2010, the New York Times quoted the original founders who were no longer in charge and disheartened by the corporate takeover. Founder Ben Cohen was quoted as saying in a BBC 4 radio interview, "What we are learning is, if you are owned by a corporate that, despite whatever words they might say, does not share those values, it's incredibly difficult to maintain those values."
Nevertheless, the company has continued to carry take social stands such as this one in support of the Occupy Wall Street protesters.
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First Posted: 10/08/11 04:26 PM ET Updated: 10/10/11 12:14 PM ET