The ice cream brand's Founding Partner Alleges Unilever Prevented Palestine-Themed Frozen Dessert Flavor
One of the co-founders behind the well-known ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has announced how parent company Unilever stopped the introduction of an innovative Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.
The entrepreneur, that co-founded the business with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he will personally create the controversial product within a personal series showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from addressing publicly.
Ongoing Conflict Involving Creators and Corporate Owner
The recent development deepens the ongoing conflict among the world-famous dessert company and its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant which has owned Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.
Both founders have asserted how Unilever and its ice cream arm Magnum unlawfully blocked their company against "maintaining its activist principles".
Watermelon Sorbet becoming an Emblem for Solidarity
The entrepreneur stated through social media how he's developing a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions for naming options and additional components.
“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” the founder declared in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”
This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for support for the Palestinian people due to its coloration, which match those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.
Previous Activism and Recent Changes
Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales within the occupied West Bank.
This upcoming dessert series will be developed under Ben's Best, the activist dessert company that originally created several years back for endorsing ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".
Management Changes plus Future Intentions
The founder revealed that he will develop additional frozen dessert varieties that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was silenced from addressing publicly by Unilever.
The announcement follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following decades with the organization, mentioning concerns that its independence was undermined after corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.
Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it."
“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that it can actualise the social mission, the principles which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told journalists.
- Parent company limitations regarding political advocacy
- Personal flavor creation from company founders
- The fruit-based product as political symbol
- Continuing tensions between corporate ownership versus ethical values