🔗 Share this article Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder States Parent Company Prevented Pro-Palestinian Ice Cream Flavor Socially Conscious Founders promoting social causes via frozen treats One of the co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the introduction for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor. The entrepreneur, who established the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he will independently develop this new flavor within a personal collection showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's has been barred from speaking out about. Ongoing Dispute Between Founders versus Corporate Owner The recent announcement intensifies the continuing tension among the world-famous ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000. Both founders have claimed that the parent company along with its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked their company from "maintaining its activist principles". The Fruit Sorbet becoming an Emblem for Support The entrepreneur revealed through social media how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions for the product's name plus potential ingredients. “I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.” This particular fruit has become an emblem for support for the Palestinian people due to its colors, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern. Previous Social Engagement and Current Changes In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in territories under Israeli control, leading to Unilever transferring the Israeli operation over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in disputed territories. This upcoming dessert series will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first created in 2016 to support former US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return". Leadership Changes and Future Intentions Mr. Cohen revealed that he plans to develop additional ice cream flavors that address issues which the company was prevented from speaking about openly by Unilever. This development comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned from the company recently, following many years with the organization, citing concerns that its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work. Previously, Mr. Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was breaking it." "My heart leads me to continue to work inside the company to fight for its independence ensuring that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values which it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to journalists. Parent company restrictions on social activism Independent flavor creation from company founders Watermelon flavor as social statement Continuing tensions between parent company versus social mission