Seeking to ‘Move On,’ Schinner and Miyoko’s Settle

After a tumultuous spring that saw the acrimonious breakup of vegan cheesemaker Miyoko’s Creamery and its jilted founder Miyoko Schinner unfold in an ugly public dispute, the two have settled their respective lawsuits.

According to posts shared on Schinner and Miyoko’s Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, all claims by both parties have been withdrawn. No further details were shared.

“Miyoko and the company wish each other well as they go their separate ways,” the posts read.

Days after the company announced in February that Schinner was no longer involved in day-to-day operations (a move that had actually occurred over six months prior), Miyoko’s sued its former leader alleging poor leadership skills and the theft of company assets and recipes. In March Schinner retaliated with her own suit, claiming misogynistic treatment by the company’s board of directors and that her dismissal was in retaliation for her complaints of gender discrimination. Her suit also stated that the company must stop using her image and name.

In today’s statement, Miyoko’s called Schinner a “true pioneer in vegan creamery products” with “integrity” and credited her contributions to the company. Schinner’s half of the statement said she “appreciates the dedicated team of people at Miyoko’s Creamery” who will be continuing her “legacy” through the production and selling of vegan creamery products.

On her LinkedIn post Schinner wrote “I am moving on. So important to close the door behind you so that new ones can open.” She added on Instagram that her future would include “friends, community and activism.” Earlier this year Schinner released The Vegan Good Life with Miyoko, a cooking series on YouTube where she has over 20,000 subscribers.

Miyoko’s turned off the ability to comment on its LinkedIn and Instagram posts.

In tandem with the announcement, plant-based foods association founder Michele Simon shared on LinkedIn that she no longer is a member of the vegan creamery’s board of directors. During the past three months Simon has been an outspoken advocate for Schinner.

Simon’s LinkedIn entry for the role now includes “I was asked to join the board to support the company’s founder, Miyoko Schinner… In the 3 [plus] months I was on the board, it became painfully clear there would be no positive resolution and I was forced to step down.”