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One of the co-founders of the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has claimed that corporate owner the multinational conglomerate stopped the launch of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that established the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he plans to personally create the controversial flavor as part of an individual series showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Between Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent development deepens the continuing conflict between the world-famous ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods corporation that acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders maintain that Unilever and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol of Support

Mr. Cohen announced via social media that he is creating a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions for the product's name and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol for solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, which closely resemble those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism and Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company transferring their Israel business to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series will be developed under Ben's Best, the activist dessert company which was first established in 2016 to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen indicated that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors that address concerns that the company was prevented from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, after decades with the organization, mentioning worries that its independence had been undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen stated how “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart leads me to keep working within the organization to fight for its independence so that it can achieve its ethical purpose, the principles which it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Parent company restrictions on social activism
• Personal flavor creation from company founders
• The fruit-based product as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements among corporate ownership versus ethical values