🔗 Share this article

The original creators behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed that parent company the multinational conglomerate prevented the launch of an innovative pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the company alongside his partner, announced how he plans to personally create this new flavor within an individual collection showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Between Creators versus Parent Company

The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing disagreement among the world-famous dessert company and Unilever, the British consumer goods corporation which acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen revealed through an Instagram video that he is creating a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions for naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its colors, which mirror those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Activism plus Current Developments

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in territories under Israeli control, leading to the parent company selling their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company that was first established several years back for endorsing ex- political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, following many years with the organization, citing worries that its independence was undermined following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen commented that "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to continue to work inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy so that the company can actualise the social mission, the values that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions on social activism
• Personal product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
• Ongoing disagreements between parent company and ethical values