🔗 Share this article

The original creators behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed how parent company Unilever prevented the launch of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he will personally create the controversial flavor within a personal collection highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement deepens the ongoing tension among the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders have asserted that the parent company and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur stated via an Instagram video that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas for naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of support for Palestinians due to its coloration, which match the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Historical Social Engagement plus Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first established in 2016 for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes plus Future Intentions

The founder revealed that he will create additional ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades of involvement, citing concerns that its independence had been undermined following corporate moves to restrict its social activism.

At that time, Mr. Cohen remarked that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can achieve the social mission, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
• Continuing tensions among corporate ownership versus social mission