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The co-founders behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated that corporate owner Unilever prevented the launch of a new pro-Palestinian frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that co-founded the company with Jerry Greenfield, announced how he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection highlighting causes Ben & Jerry's has been barred from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Between Founders and Corporate Owner

The recent announcement deepens the ongoing conflict among the internationally recognized ice cream maker and its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant that has owned Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever and their ice cream division the Magnum brand unlawfully blocked Ben & Jerry's against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

The Fruit Sorbet becoming a Symbol for Support

Mr. Cohen revealed via social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-flavored sorbet, asking for public suggestions for the product's name plus additional components.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen declared from his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored ice cream that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, which match the colors in Palestine's national banner – red, green, black and white.

Historical Social Engagement and Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company transferring their Israel business over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series is being developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first established several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes plus Future Plans

The founder stated how he will create other frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues which the company was prevented from speaking about openly due to Unilever.

The announcement follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, after many years of involvement, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence had been undermined following Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Ben Cohen stated that “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that it can actualise its ethical purpose, the principles that it was founded on and has maintained for decades," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions regarding social activism
• Independent product development from company founders
• The fruit-based product serving as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements between parent company and social mission