🔗 Share this article

The original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated how corporate owner Unilever blocked the launch for a new pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, who established the company alongside his partner, announced how he plans to personally create this new product within an individual collection showcasing issues the company was prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing tension among the internationally recognized dessert company with its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Flavor becoming an Emblem of Support

Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he's developing a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its coloration, that match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement plus Recent Developments

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand that originally established several years back for endorsing ex- political contender Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen indicated how he plans to develop other frozen dessert varieties that address concerns which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades with the organization, citing concerns that its independence had been compromised after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

At that time, Mr. Cohen remarked how “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can actualise the social mission, the values which established its foundation and has maintained for decades," he told journalists.

• Parent company restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Personal flavor creation by company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing tensions between corporate ownership and social mission