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The original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever blocked the launch of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the company with his partner, revealed that he will personally create the controversial flavor within an individual series highlighting causes the company has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Founders versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement deepens the continuing disagreement among the world-famous dessert company and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders maintain that the parent company and their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced through an Instagram video how he's developing a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions for naming options plus additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has become a symbol of support for Palestinians because of its coloration, which match the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever selling the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

This upcoming product line is being developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally created in 2016 to support ex- political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes and Future Plans

Mr. Cohen stated that he plans to develop other frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly due to Unilever.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following many years with the organization, citing concerns regarding how its independence had been compromised after corporate moves to restrict its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work inside the company to fight for its independence ensuring that it can achieve its ethical purpose, the principles which it was founded on and has maintained for decades," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions between parent company and ethical values