Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Halted Pro-Palestinian Frozen Dessert Flavor

Ice cream activism illustration
Activist Entrepreneurs advocating for political issues through dessert products

One of the co-founders behind the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has announced how parent company the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch for an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the company alongside his partner, revealed that he will personally create the controversial flavor within a personal collection showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Founders and Parent Company

The recent announcement deepens the continuing tension between the internationally recognized dessert company and Unilever, the UK-based consumer goods corporation which acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.

Both founders maintain that the parent company and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen revealed via an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding the product's name and additional components.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become a symbol for support for Palestinians due to its coloration, that mirror those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in territories under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company transferring the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting continued sales within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series is being created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first created in 2016 to support former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Management Shifts plus Future Intentions

The founder indicated that he will create other frozen dessert varieties that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement comes after partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following many years with the organization, citing worries regarding how its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to restrict its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart leads me to continue to work within the organization to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can fulfill the social mission, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told media outlets.

  • Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
  • Independent flavor creation from original creators
  • Watermelon flavor as social statement
  • Ongoing disagreements between parent company and ethical values
Sean Martin
Sean Martin

Marcus Thorne is a seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and odds forecasting.