Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Claims Parent Company Prevented Pro-Palestinian Frozen Dessert Flavor
The co-founders of the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has announced how parent company Unilever blocked the launch for an innovative pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.
The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced that he plans to personally create this new product as part of a personal collection showcasing causes the company has been prevented from speaking out about.
Ongoing Dispute Between Creators and Parent Company
The recent announcement intensifies the ongoing disagreement between the internationally recognized ice cream maker and Unilever, the UK-based packaged goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.
Both founders maintain how Unilever and its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".
Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol of Support
Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he is creating a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for public suggestions for the product's name and additional components.
“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared from a cooking set. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”
The watermelon has become an emblem of support for Palestinians due to its coloration, which match those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.
Historical Activism plus Current Developments
Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of their merchandise in areas under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales in disputed territories.
This upcoming dessert series will be developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the activist ice cream brand which was first established several years back to support former US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the product "Bernie's Back".
Management Changes plus Future Intentions
Mr. Cohen indicated that he will develop other frozen dessert varieties that address concerns which Ben & Jerry's was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.
This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield resigned from the company in September, following many years of involvement, mentioning worries that its independence had been compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict its social activism.
Previously, Ben Cohen stated how "Jerry has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."
"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to fight for its independence so that the company can fulfill the social mission, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.
- Parent company limitations on political advocacy
- Personal flavor creation by company founders
- Watermelon flavor serving as political symbol
- Continuing disagreements between corporate ownership and ethical values