The ice cream brand's Founding Partner Alleges Parent Company Blocked Palestine-Themed Frozen Dessert Flavor

Ice cream activism illustration
Socially Conscious Founders advocating for social causes via frozen treats

The original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever stopped the launch for an innovative Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the company with his partner, announced that he will personally create the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing issues the company has been barred from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators versus Parent Company

This latest development deepens the continuing tension among the internationally recognized dessert company and Unilever, the UK-based consumer goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders maintain how Unilever and their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor becoming an Emblem for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen stated through an Instagram video that he's developing an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder commented from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, that mirror those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Recent Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company transferring the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thereby permitting continued sales within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand which originally established several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Changes and Upcoming Plans

The founder revealed how he plans to develop additional ice cream flavors that address concerns which the company was prevented from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

This development follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield resigned from the company in September, following decades of involvement, citing concerns regarding how the company's autonomy had been undermined following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen remarked how “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was breaking it."

"My heart leads me to continue to work inside the company to advocate for its independence ensuring that it can fulfill the social mission, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he explained to media outlets.

  • Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
  • Personal product development from company founders
  • Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
  • Continuing disagreements among parent company and social mission
Jack Reynolds PhD
Jack Reynolds PhD

Award-winning photographer specializing in natural light and urban landscapes, with over a decade of experience in visual storytelling.