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One of the original creators of the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has announced how parent company Unilever blocked the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who established the business with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed how he plans to personally create the controversial product as part of a personal series highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Founders versus Corporate Owner

This latest development escalates the continuing disagreement between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.

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

Watermelon Sorbet becoming a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen announced via social media that he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has emerged as an emblem for support for Palestinians because of its coloration, that closely resemble those of Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever transferring the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first established several years back to support former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts and Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen indicated that he will create other frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield resigned from the company recently, following decades of involvement, citing concerns that the company's autonomy was compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen stated that "Jerry has strong compassion 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 the company can actualise the social mission, the values which established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions on social activism
• Personal product development from company founders
• The fruit-based product as social statement
• Continuing disagreements between corporate ownership versus ethical values