North Carolina barred investment in Ben & Jerry’s after the world-famous ice cream seller said it didn’t want to sell its products in Israeli settlements.
The announcement Thursday reflects continuing controversy over whether companies should take positions on political issues, after recent debates over corporate moves involving Starbucks, Disney and others.
State Treasurer Dale Folwell said his office is required by state law to add Ben & Jerry’s to its “list of companies subject to divestment and contract restrictions due to their boycott of Israel.” This action includes affiliates of Ben & Jerry’s, such as its parent company, Unilever PLC, and Unilever’s subsidiaries. Folwell ordered the state pension fund to divest itself of $40 million in Unilever assets, according to a press release.
He also instructed local governments and state agencies be notified that they are prohibited from contracting with either company, says the release.
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