🔗 Share this article

The co-founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has announced how corporate owner the multinational conglomerate prevented the introduction of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who established the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he plans to independently develop the controversial product within an individual series showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's has been barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators and Parent Company

This latest announcement deepens the ongoing tension among the internationally recognized ice cream maker with Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders maintain that Unilever along with its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem for Support

Mr. Cohen revealed through social media that he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas for naming options plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder declared from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for support for Palestinians because of its colors, that closely resemble those of Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company that was first created several years back to support former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen revealed how he will create other ice cream flavors that address concerns that the company was silenced from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

This development comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following decades with the organization, citing concerns regarding how the company's autonomy was compromised after corporate moves to restrict their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

"My heart leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for decades," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent product development by company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
• Ongoing disagreements among corporate ownership versus ethical values