🔗 Share this article

One of the co-founders behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that parent company Unilever prevented the introduction for an innovative pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the company with his partner, disclosed that he will personally create this new product within a personal collection highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Between Creators and Parent Company

This latest development escalates the ongoing conflict between the internationally recognized dessert company with Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods corporation which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders have claimed that the parent company and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol for Support

Mr. Cohen stated through social media how he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder commented from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become an emblem for support for the Palestinian people because of its coloration, which match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

This upcoming product line is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand which was first created several years back to support former political contender Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Shifts and Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen indicated how he will develop additional ice cream flavors focusing on issues that the company was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned from the company recently, following decades of involvement, citing concerns regarding how its independence had been undermined after Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen stated that "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to keep working inside the company to advocate for its independence so that it can fulfill the social mission, the values which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Independent product development by original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements among corporate ownership and ethical values