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One of the original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner Unilever prevented the introduction for a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that established the company with his partner, revealed that he will personally create this new product as part of a personal collection showcasing issues the company was barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Founders versus Parent Company

The recent announcement intensifies the continuing tension between the internationally recognized ice cream maker and Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have claimed that Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem of Solidarity

The entrepreneur announced through social media how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding the product's name and additional components.

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

The watermelon has become a symbol of support for Palestinians due to its colors, which closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Activism and Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever selling their Israel business over to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious dessert company that was first established in 2016 to support former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Intentions

The founder stated how he will create additional frozen dessert varieties that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement comes after partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following many years of involvement, citing worries that its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

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

"My heart compels me to keep working inside the company to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Personal product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
• Continuing disagreements among corporate ownership versus social mission