🔗 Share this article

The co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has announced how parent company Unilever prevented the introduction of a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company with his partner, announced that he will personally create this new product as part of an individual series highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's was barred from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators versus Parent Company

The recent announcement deepens the ongoing conflict among the internationally recognized ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the British consumer goods giant which has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders have claimed how Unilever and its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

The Fruit Sorbet as a Symbol of Support

The entrepreneur revealed via social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting consumer ideas regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder commented in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become an emblem of solidarity with Palestinians due to its coloration, that mirror those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Developments

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company transferring their Israel business to a local licensee, thus allowing continued sales in the occupied West Bank.

The new product line will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious dessert company that originally created several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts plus Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen revealed that he will create additional frozen dessert varieties that address issues that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly due to Unilever.

This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's in September, following decades of involvement, mentioning concerns that its independence was undermined after corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen commented how "Jerry has strong compassion and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told journalists.

• Parent company limitations on social activism
• Independent flavor creation from company founders
• The fruit-based product as social statement
• Continuing tensions among parent company versus social mission