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One of the original creators of the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed that parent company Unilever prevented the launch for a new pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he will personally create the controversial flavor as part of an individual series showcasing causes the company was prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Between Creators and Parent Company

This latest development escalates the continuing disagreement between the world-famous ice cream maker and Unilever, the UK-based consumer goods corporation that has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have claimed that Unilever and their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen revealed through social media that he's developing a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder commented in a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem for support for Palestinians due to its colors, that closely resemble the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Current Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling their Israel business to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line is being created through Ben's Best, the activist ice cream brand which was first created several years back for endorsing former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts and Future Intentions

The founder indicated how he will create additional frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following decades of involvement, mentioning concerns regarding how the company's autonomy was undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to advocate for its independence ensuring that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Personal product development from company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
• Continuing disagreements between parent company and social mission