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The original creators behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has stated that parent company Unilever prevented the introduction of a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the business with his partner, revealed that he plans to independently develop this new flavor within a personal collection showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Between Creators versus Parent Company

The recent development intensifies the ongoing conflict among the world-famous dessert company with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed that the parent company and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Sorbet as a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas for naming options plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder commented from a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become an emblem of support for Palestinians because of its colors, that mirror those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Activism plus Current Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

The new product line is being developed under Ben's Best, the activist ice cream brand that was first created several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes plus Future Plans

The founder revealed how he will develop other ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was silenced from addressing publicly due to Unilever.

The announcement follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following many years with the organization, citing concerns that its independence was compromised following corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to continue to work inside the company to fight for its independence so that it can achieve its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he explained to journalists.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent flavor creation from company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing tensions between parent company versus ethical values