🔗 Share this article

The co-founders behind the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated that parent company the multinational conglomerate blocked the introduction of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that established the company alongside his partner, announced that he will independently develop the controversial product as part of a personal collection showcasing issues the company was barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Between Founders and Parent Company

The recent announcement intensifies the continuing conflict between the internationally recognized dessert company with Unilever, the UK-based consumer goods giant that acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

The co-founders have claimed how Unilever along with its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem for Support

The entrepreneur announced through social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of support for Palestinians due to its coloration, which mirror the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement plus Recent Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in areas under Israeli control, resulting in Unilever selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally created several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Plans

The founder revealed that he will develop other frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues which the company was prevented from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, after decades with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was compromised following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen stated that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values which it was founded on while upholding for decades," he explained to journalists.

• Parent company limitations on political advocacy
• Personal product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product as political symbol
• Continuing tensions among parent company and social mission