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One of the original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner Unilever prevented the launch for a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the business alongside his partner, disclosed how he plans to personally create the controversial flavor within an individual series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Founders versus Parent Company

The recent development deepens the ongoing tension between the internationally recognized dessert company with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant that has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders have claimed that Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced through social media how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options and additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

The watermelon has become an emblem for support for Palestinians due to its coloration, that match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Changes

In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that originally established in 2016 for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen stated that he will develop other frozen dessert varieties that address issues that the company was prevented from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, following decades of involvement, mentioning worries regarding how its independence was undermined after corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen remarked that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that the company can fulfill the social mission, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent flavor creation by company founders
• The fruit-based product as social statement
• Ongoing tensions between parent company and social mission