🔗 Share this article Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Blocked Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Product Socially Conscious Entrepreneurs promoting political issues through frozen treats The original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has announced how corporate owner Unilever prevented the introduction for an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor. The entrepreneur, that established the business with his partner, announced how he will personally create the controversial product within an individual collection showcasing causes the company was prevented from speaking out about. Longstanding Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner The recent announcement escalates the continuing disagreement among the world-famous dessert company with its corporate parent, the British consumer goods corporation which acquired the ice cream brand since 2000. Both founders have asserted how the parent company along with their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments". The Fruit Sorbet as a Symbol of Support The entrepreneur revealed through an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-flavored sorbet, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name and potential ingredients. “I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.” The watermelon has emerged as a symbol for solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its coloration, that match the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern. Historical Social Engagement plus Current Changes Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever selling the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank. This upcoming product line is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company which originally created in 2016 to support ex- US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Return". Management Shifts and Future Intentions Mr. Cohen stated how he will develop additional ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was prevented from addressing publicly due to Unilever. This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following decades of involvement, citing concerns regarding how the company's autonomy was compromised following corporate moves to restrict its social activism. Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it." “My conscience compels me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for its independence ensuring that it can actualise the social mission, the values that it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he told journalists. Corporate owner limitations on political advocacy Personal product development from original creators The fruit-based product as social statement Continuing disagreements among corporate ownership and ethical values