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The co-founders behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate prevented the introduction of an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who established the business with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he will personally create the controversial flavor as part of an individual series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was barred from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Between Founders versus Parent Company

This latest announcement deepens the continuing tension between the internationally recognized dessert company with Unilever, the British packaged goods giant that has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders have asserted how Unilever and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol for Support

Mr. Cohen announced through social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions for naming options and additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen declared from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol of support for Palestinians due to its coloration, which mirror the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism plus Current Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever transferring the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new dessert series will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious dessert company which was first created several years back to support former US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes plus Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated how he will develop other ice cream flavors that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly by Unilever.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, following many years with the organization, citing concerns regarding how its independence had been undermined after Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can fulfill the social mission, the values that it was founded on while upholding for decades," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations on social activism
• Personal product development from company founders
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions between corporate ownership and social mission