The ice cream brand's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Halted Pro-Palestinian Frozen Dessert Product
One of the original creators of the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated that parent company the multinational conglomerate stopped the introduction for a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.
The entrepreneur, who established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced that he will personally create the controversial product as part of a personal series showcasing causes the company has been barred from speaking out about.
Longstanding Conflict Involving Founders and Corporate Owner
The recent announcement escalates the ongoing disagreement between the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the British consumer goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.
The co-founders have claimed how Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".
Watermelon Flavor as an Emblem for Solidarity
Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting public suggestions for the product's name plus additional components.
“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”
This particular fruit has become a symbol of support for Palestinians because of its coloration, which mirror the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.
Previous Activism and Recent Changes
Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling the Israeli operation over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales in disputed territories.
This upcoming product line is being developed under Ben's Best, the activist dessert company which originally established in 2016 for endorsing former US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".
Leadership Changes plus Upcoming Plans
The founder indicated how he will develop other frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly due to Unilever.
This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was compromised following corporate moves to curb its social activism.
Previously, Mr. Cohen remarked that “My partner has strong compassion and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."
“My conscience compels me to keep working inside the company to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can actualise the social mission, the principles that established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.
- Corporate owner restrictions on social activism
- Personal product development from company founders
- Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
- Ongoing tensions between corporate ownership versus ethical values