🔗 Share this article

The original creators behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever stopped the launch for a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that established the company with his partner, announced how he plans to independently develop this new product within a personal series highlighting causes the company was barred from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Founders and Corporate Owner

The recent development escalates the continuing disagreement among the world-famous dessert company with Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods giant which has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders maintain that the parent company along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol of Solidarity

The entrepreneur stated through social media that he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name plus additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates 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 Palestinians due to its coloration, that closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Activism plus Recent Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in territories under Israeli control, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business over to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line is being created through Ben's Best, the activist dessert company that was first established several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Shifts and Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen revealed that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors that address concerns which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

The announcement follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company recently, following many years of involvement, mentioning worries regarding how its independence was undermined following corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen remarked that "Jerry has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart leads me to keep working within the organization to fight for its independence ensuring that the company can achieve the social mission, the values which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Parent company limitations regarding social activism
• Personal flavor creation by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements among parent company and ethical values