Category: Social
US reaction to Ben & Jerry’s decision contrasts with pension funds in Europe and New Zealand US reaction to Ben & Jerry’s decision contrasts with pension funds in Europe and New Zealand US reaction to Ben & Jerry’s decision contrasts with pension funds in Europe and New Zealand
Aug 4th, 2021
Unilever is facing a slew of divestment threats from US states over a decision by its subsidiary Ben & Jerry’s to stop selling ice cream in Palestine’s occupied territory.
In a speech yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis became the latest figure to threaten to cut ties with the consumer goods giant, which has become a poster child for corporate responsibility over recent years for its progressive approach to climate change and corporate purpose.
Ben & Jerry’s announced last month that it will end sales of ice cream in the Occupied Palestinian Territory once its license agreement expires at the end of 2022.
“As a matter of law and principle, the State of Florida will not tolerate discrimination against the State of Israel or the Israeli people,” said DeSantis in response. “I will not stand idly by as woke corporate ideologues seek to boycott and divest from our ally.”
Ash Williams, the Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer of …