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One of the co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has announced how parent company Unilever stopped the launch for an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

Ben Cohen, that co-founded the business with his partner, disclosed how he will personally create the controversial flavor as part of a personal series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Dispute Involving Creators versus Parent Company

This latest development intensifies the ongoing disagreement among the world-famous dessert company and its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods corporation which acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

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

Watermelon Sorbet becoming an Emblem of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-flavored sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol for support for the Palestinian people due to its coloration, which mirror those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism plus Current Changes

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting continued sales in disputed territories.

The new product line will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first created in 2016 for endorsing former US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Shifts plus Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen stated how he plans to develop other frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly by corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following many years with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented that “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for its independence ensuring that the company can actualise the social mission, the principles that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
• Independent product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions among corporate ownership versus social mission