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One of the co-founders behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has announced how corporate owner Unilever prevented the introduction for a new Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who established the company with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he will personally create this new flavor as part of a personal series highlighting issues the company was prevented from addressing publicly.

Longstanding Conflict Between Creators and Parent Company

This latest announcement escalates the ongoing conflict among the world-famous ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based consumer goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted how Unilever along with their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Sorbet as a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur announced via social media how he's developing a new watermelon-flavored sorbet, asking for consumer ideas for naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented from a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become an emblem of support for Palestinians because of its coloration, that match those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Recent Changes

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell its products in areas occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line will be developed under Ben's Best, the activist ice cream brand that was first established several years back for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Shifts and Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated that he plans to create additional ice cream flavors focusing on issues which the company was silenced from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

This development comes after co-founder Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following many years of involvement, mentioning concerns that the company's autonomy had been compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has strong compassion and this conflict with our parent company was deeply distressing him."

"My heart leads me to keep working inside the company to advocate for its independence so that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation while upholding for over 40 years," he explained to journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions regarding social activism
• Personal product development from company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
• Ongoing tensions among parent company and ethical values