The ice cream brand's Co-Founder Claims Parent Company Halted Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Flavor

Ice cream activism illustration
Socially Conscious Entrepreneurs promoting social causes via frozen treats

One of the original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has claimed that parent company the multinational conglomerate stopped the introduction for a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the company with Jerry Greenfield, announced how he will independently develop this new product within a personal collection showcasing causes the company was barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Founders and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the ongoing disagreement between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have asserted how Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor as an Emblem for Support

The entrepreneur announced via social media how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding the product's name and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated in a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become an emblem of support for Palestinians because of its colors, that mirror those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Activism plus Current Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas under Israeli control, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series is being created through Ben's Best, the activist dessert company which originally created several years back to support ex- political contender Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes and Upcoming Intentions

The founder indicated how he will develop additional frozen dessert varieties that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows partner Jerry Greenfield resigned from Ben & Jerry's in September, after many years with the organization, citing concerns that its independence had been undermined after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

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

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values which established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

  • Parent company restrictions on political advocacy
  • Independent flavor creation from original creators
  • The fruit-based product serving as social statement
  • Ongoing tensions between corporate ownership versus ethical values
Meghan Lee
Meghan Lee

A seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in online slots and casino strategy development.