Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Claims Unilever Blocked Pro-Palestinian Frozen Dessert Flavor
One of the co-founders of the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has stated how parent company the multinational conglomerate blocked the launch for an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.
Ben Cohen, that co-founded the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he will independently develop this new flavor as part of an individual series highlighting issues the company has been barred from speaking out about.
Ongoing Dispute Between Creators and Parent Company
This latest development intensifies the ongoing tension among the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant that acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.
Both founders have claimed that Unilever and its ice cream arm the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".
Watermelon Sorbet becoming an Emblem for Solidarity
Mr. Cohen announced through social media how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions regarding naming options and additional components.
“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”
The watermelon has become a symbol 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 Activism plus Recent Changes
Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of their merchandise in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever selling their Israel business to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.
The new product line is being created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally established several years back for endorsing ex- political contender Bernie Sanders via the product "Bernie's Return".
Management Changes and Upcoming Intentions
Mr. Cohen stated how he will create other frozen dessert varieties that address concerns which the company was silenced from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.
This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, after decades of involvement, citing worries regarding how its independence had been compromised after Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.
Previously, Ben Cohen remarked how “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with Unilever was deeply distressing him."
“My conscience leads me to keep working within the organization to fight for its independence ensuring that it can achieve the social mission, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he explained to media outlets.
- Parent company restrictions regarding social activism
- Independent flavor creation from original creators
- Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
- Ongoing disagreements between parent company versus social mission