🔗 Share this article

The co-founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever blocked the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company with his partner, announced how he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal series highlighting issues the company was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner

This latest development intensifies the ongoing disagreement between the world-famous dessert company with its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have claimed how Unilever and their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol of Support

The entrepreneur stated through social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, requesting public suggestions for the product's name plus additional components.

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

The watermelon has emerged as an emblem for solidarity with Palestinians because of its coloration, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Developments

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in areas under Israeli control, leading to the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series is being developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first created several years back to support former political contender Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes plus Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen indicated that he plans to create other frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that the company was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

The announcement follows partner Mr. Greenfield resigned from the company recently, following many years with the organization, citing worries regarding how its independence was compromised following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen remarked how "Jerry has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to keep working inside the company to advocate for its independence so that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Continuing tensions between corporate ownership and social mission