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One of the original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated how corporate owner Unilever prevented the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the business with his partner, revealed that he will personally create the controversial product as part of an individual collection showcasing issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Between Founders and Parent Company

This latest development escalates the continuing conflict among the world-famous ice cream maker with Unilever, the British consumer goods giant that has owned Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders maintain how the parent company along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen stated via social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting consumer ideas regarding the product's name and additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder commented from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based ice cream that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Activism and Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution in disputed territories.

The new product line will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company which was first established several years back for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts and Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen revealed how he plans to develop additional frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that the company was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, following many years of involvement, mentioning concerns regarding how the company's autonomy was undermined following corporate moves to curb its social activism.

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

"My heart leads me to keep working inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding political advocacy
• Independent product development from company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions among corporate ownership and social mission