🔗 Share this article

The co-founders of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch for an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the business with Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he will personally create the controversial product within an individual series highlighting issues the company has been prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the ongoing tension among the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders have claimed that the parent company and its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Flavor as a Symbol for Support

Mr. Cohen stated via social media how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, requesting consumer ideas regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians because of its colors, that match those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in territories under Israeli control, leading to the parent company transferring their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

The new dessert series will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company which was first created several years back for endorsing former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Management Shifts and Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen stated how he plans to develop additional ice cream flavors that address concerns which the company was silenced from speaking about openly due to Unilever.

This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, after many years with the organization, citing concerns that its independence had been compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for its independence ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations on political advocacy
• Personal flavor creation from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
• Continuing tensions between parent company versus social mission