Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Alleges Unilever Blocked Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Flavor
The original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed how parent company Unilever prevented the launch of a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.
Ben Cohen, who co-founded the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he will independently develop the controversial flavor within a personal series showcasing causes the company was barred from addressing publicly.
Ongoing Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner
This latest announcement escalates the continuing conflict among the internationally recognized dessert company with Unilever, the British packaged goods corporation that has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.
Both founders have claimed how Unilever and its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked their company against "honouring its social mission".
Watermelon Sorbet becoming a Symbol for Solidarity
Mr. Cohen announced through social media how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options and additional components.
“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”
This particular fruit has become an emblem for support for the Palestinian people because of its colors, that mirror those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.
Previous Social Engagement and Recent Changes
Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring their Israel business to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.
This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first created several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".
Leadership Shifts plus Future Plans
Mr. Cohen revealed how he plans to create additional frozen dessert varieties that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.
This development comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned from the company in September, following many years of involvement, citing worries that its independence was compromised after corporate moves to curb its social activism.
At that time, Mr. Cohen commented how "Jerry has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was deeply distressing him."
“My conscience compels me to continue to work inside the company to fight for its independence ensuring that the company can actualise its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.
- Corporate owner limitations on social activism
- Independent flavor creation from original creators
- Watermelon flavor as social statement
- Ongoing disagreements between parent company versus ethical values
