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One of the co-founders behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed that parent company the multinational conglomerate prevented the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he will personally create the controversial flavor within a personal collection highlighting causes the company has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the ongoing conflict between the world-famous dessert company and Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods corporation which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor as an Emblem of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen stated via social media how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding naming options plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder declared from his kitchen. “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 a symbol for solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its colors, that mirror those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism and Recent Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand which was first established in 2016 for endorsing ex- political contender Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes and Future Plans

Mr. Cohen indicated that he will create other frozen dessert varieties that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.

This development follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company recently, following many years of involvement, citing concerns that the company's autonomy had been compromised following corporate moves to curb its social activism.

At that time, Ben Cohen commented how “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute 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 achieve its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation and has maintained for decades," he told media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Personal flavor creation by company founders
• The fruit-based product as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions between parent company versus ethical values