🔗 Share this article

The co-founders of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever prevented the introduction for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he plans to personally create this new product within a personal collection highlighting issues the company has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Dispute Between Creators versus Corporate Owner

This latest development intensifies the continuing tension between the internationally recognized dessert company and its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed how the parent company and its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he's developing a new watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for naming options and additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen declared from his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its colors, that match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever selling their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new product line is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company which was first established in 2016 to support former political contender Senator Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions

The founder revealed that he plans to develop other frozen dessert varieties that address issues which the company was prevented from speaking about openly by Unilever.

The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company recently, after many years of involvement, citing worries that its independence had been undermined after corporate moves to restrict its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for its independence so that the company can fulfill the social mission, the principles which established its foundation and has maintained for decades," he told media outlets.

• Parent company limitations regarding social activism
• Personal product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
• Ongoing disagreements among parent company and ethical values