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The original creators behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has stated how corporate owner Unilever prevented the launch for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, who established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed that he will independently develop the controversial flavor as part of an individual series highlighting causes Ben & Jerry's was barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Founders versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing tension among the world-famous dessert company with Unilever, the British packaged goods giant that acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted how the parent company and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming an Emblem for Support

Mr. Cohen announced via social media that he's developing a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions for naming options plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder stated from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for support for Palestinians because of its colors, that match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism and Recent Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever selling their Israel business over to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line is being developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first established in 2016 for endorsing former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Leadership Shifts plus Future Intentions

The founder stated that he will create additional frozen dessert varieties that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly by Unilever.

This development follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following many years of involvement, citing worries that its independence was compromised after corporate moves to curb its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen remarked how “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to fight for its independence ensuring that the company can actualise the social mission, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
• Personal product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product as political symbol
• Continuing disagreements between parent company and social mission