🔗 Share this article Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Prevented Pro-Palestinian Ice Cream Product Activist Entrepreneurs advocating for political issues via frozen treats One of the co-founders of the well-known ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate prevented the launch of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor. Ben Cohen, who established the business with his partner, announced that he plans to personally create this new flavor within a personal series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was barred from speaking out about. Longstanding Dispute Involving Founders and Corporate Owner The recent announcement intensifies the continuing conflict between the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the British consumer goods corporation which acquired the ice cream brand since 2000. Both founders have claimed that Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "maintaining its activist principles". Watermelon Sorbet as a Symbol of Solidarity Mr. Cohen stated via an Instagram video how he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions for naming options plus potential ingredients. “I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for repairing the damage that occurred in the region.” This particular fruit has become an emblem for solidarity with Palestinians due to its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white. Previous Social Engagement plus Current Developments In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in territories under Israeli control, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales in disputed territories. This upcoming product line will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company that was first established several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back". Leadership Shifts and Upcoming Intentions The founder indicated that he plans to develop other frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions. The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company recently, following many years of involvement, citing worries regarding how the company's autonomy was compromised following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work. At that time, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it." "My heart compels me to keep working inside the company to fight for its independence ensuring that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for decades," he told journalists. Corporate owner restrictions regarding social activism Personal flavor creation from original creators Watermelon flavor as social statement Ongoing disagreements among parent company versus ethical values