🔗 Share this article The ice cream brand's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Halted Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Product Socially Conscious Founders advocating for social causes via frozen treats The original creators behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch for a new pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product. The entrepreneur, who established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he will personally create the controversial product within a personal series highlighting issues the company has been prevented from addressing publicly. Longstanding Conflict Between Creators and Corporate Owner This latest announcement escalates the ongoing tension between the world-famous dessert company with Unilever, the British packaged goods corporation that has owned the ice cream brand since 2000. The co-founders have claimed that Unilever and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments". Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem of Solidarity The entrepreneur stated via an Instagram video that he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions for naming options plus additional components. “I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.” The watermelon has become an emblem of support for the Palestinian people because of its coloration, that match those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern. Historical Activism plus Recent Changes In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales in disputed territories. This upcoming dessert series is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company that was first established in 2016 for endorsing former US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back". Management Shifts and Future Plans Mr. Cohen revealed how he will create additional ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions. This development comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, after decades with the organization, citing concerns regarding how its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work. At that time, Ben Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it." “My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for its independence so that it can achieve the social mission, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists. Corporate owner restrictions on political advocacy Personal flavor creation by company founders Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol Continuing tensions among parent company and ethical values