The ice cream brand's Co-Founder States Unilever Halted Palestine-Themed Frozen Dessert Flavor

Ice cream activism illustration
Socially Conscious Entrepreneurs advocating for political issues via frozen treats

One of the original creators of the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has stated how parent company Unilever stopped the introduction for an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the company alongside his partner, revealed how he plans to personally create this new flavor as part of a personal collection highlighting issues the company has been prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement deepens the continuing conflict between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with Unilever, the British consumer goods corporation that acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted that the parent company along with its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Flavor as an Emblem of Solidarity

The entrepreneur stated via social media that he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, asking for consumer ideas for naming options and additional components.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen commented in a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol of support for the Palestinian people because of its coloration, that match those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Changes

Several years ago, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever selling the Israeli operation over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in disputed territories.

This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first established in 2016 to support ex- political contender Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Management Changes plus Future Plans

Mr. Cohen stated how he will create other ice cream flavors that address issues that the company was silenced from addressing publicly by Unilever.

This development comes after co-founder Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, following decades with the organization, citing concerns that its independence had been undermined after Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to fight for its independence ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he told journalists.

  • Parent company limitations on political advocacy
  • Personal flavor creation from company founders
  • The fruit-based product as political symbol
  • Ongoing tensions between parent company and ethical values
Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis

Wildlife biologist and conservationist with over a decade of experience studying sloths in Central America.