🔗 Share this article Ben & Jerry's Founding Partner States Parent Company Halted Palestine-Themed Frozen Dessert Flavor Socially Conscious Founders promoting political issues via dessert products One of the original creators behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that parent company Unilever blocked the introduction of a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor. The entrepreneur, who co-founded the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced that he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor within an individual series showcasing causes the company has been prevented from speaking out about. Longstanding Conflict Involving Founders versus Corporate Owner The recent announcement escalates the continuing conflict between the world-famous ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the British consumer goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades. Both founders have asserted how the parent company along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments". The Fruit Flavor as a Symbol of Solidarity Mr. Cohen stated through an Instagram video that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, asking for consumer ideas for naming options and additional components. “I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder commented in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.” The watermelon has become an emblem for solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its coloration, that match the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern. Previous Activism plus Recent Changes Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever selling their Israel business to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank. The new product line will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious dessert company which originally established in 2016 to support ex- political contender Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back". Management Changes plus Upcoming Plans Mr. Cohen revealed how he plans to develop additional frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that the company was silenced from speaking about openly due to Unilever. The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns that its independence was compromised following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work. At that time, Ben Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him." “My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for its independence so that it can fulfill the social mission, the values that it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists. Corporate owner restrictions regarding social activism Independent flavor creation by original creators Watermelon flavor serving as social statement Continuing disagreements among corporate ownership and ethical values