🔗 Share this article

The co-founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed how parent company Unilever stopped the introduction of an innovative Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that established the company with Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he plans to independently develop this new flavor as part of an individual collection highlighting issues the company has been prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators and Parent Company

This latest development escalates the continuing disagreement among the internationally recognized dessert company and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders maintain how the parent company along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Sorbet as a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions regarding naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of support for the Palestinian people because of its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement plus Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company selling the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales in disputed territories.

This upcoming product line will be developed under Ben's Best, the activist dessert company which was first established in 2016 to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Future Plans

The founder indicated how he will develop other ice cream flavors focusing on issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, after many years with the organization, citing worries regarding how its independence had been compromised after corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated that "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience compels me to keep working inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy so that the company can achieve the social mission, the principles which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
• Independent product development from company founders
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions among corporate ownership versus ethical values