🔗 Share this article

One of the co-founders behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has announced that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate prevented the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who co-founded the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing causes the company was barred from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Dispute Involving Founders versus Corporate Owner

The recent development deepens the ongoing disagreement among the world-famous dessert company with Unilever, the British consumer goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted that the parent company and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Flavor as an Emblem for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen revealed through social media how he is creating a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions for naming options and additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of support for the Palestinian people due to its coloration, which match those of Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

The new product line is being created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally created in 2016 to support former political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen stated how he will create other ice cream flavors focusing on concerns which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly by Unilever.

The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned from Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how the company's autonomy had been compromised after Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen remarked how “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for its independence ensuring that it can fulfill the social mission, the principles which it was founded on while upholding for decades," he explained to journalists.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Personal product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
• Continuing tensions among parent company versus ethical values