Ben & Jerry's Founding Partner Alleges Parent Company Prevented Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Product
The original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever prevented the launch of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.
The entrepreneur, that co-founded the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, revealed how he will personally create the controversial flavor within a personal series showcasing causes the company has been prevented from speaking out about.
Ongoing Dispute Between Creators versus Corporate Owner
This latest announcement escalates the ongoing tension between the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the British consumer goods corporation that acquired the ice cream brand for over two decades.
Both founders have claimed that Unilever along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's from "maintaining its activist principles".
Watermelon Flavor as an Emblem for Support
Mr. Cohen stated via social media that he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding the product's name and additional components.
“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder declared in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”
This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem for solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its coloration, that closely resemble those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.
Historical Social Engagement and Recent Developments
Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in areas under Israeli control, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.
This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first created several years back to support former political contender Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".
Management Changes and Upcoming Plans
Mr. Cohen indicated that he will create additional ice cream flavors that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.
This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company recently, after decades of involvement, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.
Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."
"My heart leads me to keep working within the organization to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told journalists.
- Corporate owner restrictions regarding political advocacy
- Independent flavor creation by company founders
- Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
- Continuing tensions between parent company versus ethical values