🔗 Share this article

One of the original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner Unilever blocked the introduction for a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who established the company with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he will independently develop this new product within a personal series showcasing causes the company was barred from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators and Corporate Owner

This latest development intensifies the ongoing conflict between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

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

Watermelon Sorbet as an Emblem for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via social media how he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name and potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen stated from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for support for the Palestinian people due to its colors, which closely resemble the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever transferring their Israel business to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in disputed territories.

The new product line will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand that was first established several years back to support ex- political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions

The founder revealed how he will create additional ice cream flavors that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly by Unilever.

The announcement comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, after decades of involvement, citing concerns that its independence was compromised after corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the values which it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding political advocacy
• Independent product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements among parent company and ethical values