🔗 Share this article

One of the co-founders behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever blocked the introduction of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that established the business with his partner, announced that he will personally create the controversial flavor within an individual collection showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

This latest announcement deepens the ongoing conflict among the world-famous dessert company and Unilever, the British packaged goods corporation that acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed that Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented their company against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen stated via an Instagram video that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name and additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its coloration, which match the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Developments

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company which was first created in 2016 for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen revealed how he will develop additional ice cream flavors focusing on concerns that the company was silenced from addressing publicly by Unilever.

This development comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following many years of involvement, citing worries regarding how its independence had been compromised following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

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

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to fight for its independence so that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations on social activism
• Independent product development from company founders
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Continuing disagreements among parent company and ethical values