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The co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever prevented the introduction of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that established the company with his partner, revealed how he plans to independently develop the controversial product as part of a personal series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing conflict among the internationally recognized ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the British packaged goods giant that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have claimed how the parent company and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem for Support

The entrepreneur stated via social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen stated in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians and calls for repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem for support for Palestinians because of its colors, which mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever transferring their Israel business to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series will be created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand that originally established in 2016 for endorsing former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen stated how he plans to develop other ice cream flavors that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly due to Unilever.

This development comes after partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, after decades of involvement, mentioning worries that its independence was compromised after corporate moves to restrict its social activism.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that it can achieve the social mission, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations on political advocacy
• Independent product development from original creators
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Continuing disagreements between parent company versus ethical values