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One of the original creators behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that parent company the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the business with his partner, announced that he will personally create the controversial product as part of an individual series highlighting causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent development intensifies the ongoing disagreement between the world-famous dessert company with its corporate parent, the British consumer goods corporation which has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have asserted how the parent company and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur stated via an Instagram video that he is creating a new watermelon-based sorbet, requesting public suggestions for the product's name and additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for repairing the damage that was done there.”

The watermelon has become an emblem for solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its colors, that match the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand that was first created in 2016 for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes plus Upcoming Intentions

The founder stated that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors that address concerns which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

This development comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was undermined after corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen stated that "Jerry has strong compassion and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to fight for its independence so that it can achieve the social mission, the principles which it was founded on while upholding for decades," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions on social activism
• Personal flavor creation from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Continuing disagreements between parent company and social mission