🔗 Share this article

One of the original creators behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner Unilever stopped the launch for a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that established the business with Jerry Greenfield, announced how he plans to personally create the controversial product as part of an individual series showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement intensifies the continuing conflict between the world-famous dessert company and Unilever, the British packaged goods giant that has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed that the parent company and their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented their company from "maintaining its activist principles".

The Fruit Flavor as an Emblem of Solidarity

The entrepreneur stated via an Instagram video how he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions for the product's name and additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol of support for Palestinians due to its colors, that match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist dessert company that was first established several years back for endorsing ex- political contender Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated that he will develop other ice cream flavors focusing on concerns that the company was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

The announcement comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following decades of involvement, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was undermined after Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to keep working inside the company to advocate for its independence so that it can achieve its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding political advocacy
• Personal product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Continuing disagreements between parent company and social mission