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One of the original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has stated how corporate owner the multinational conglomerate prevented the introduction of an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he will personally create the controversial product within a personal collection highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's has been prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Between Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the continuing tension among the internationally recognized ice cream maker with its corporate parent, the UK-based packaged goods giant that acquired Ben & Jerry's since 2000.

Both founders have claimed how Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor as a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via social media that he's developing a new watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas for naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen commented in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of support for the Palestinian people due to its coloration, that mirror the colors in the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Current Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to the parent company selling the Israeli operation to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming product line will be created through Ben's Best, the activist dessert company that originally created several years back to support ex- US presidential candidate Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes and Future Plans

The founder indicated that he plans to create additional frozen dessert varieties that address concerns that the company was silenced from addressing publicly due to corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down from the company in September, following many years of involvement, citing worries that its independence had been compromised after Unilever's decision to restrict its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience leads me to keep working within the organization to fight for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can achieve its ethical purpose, the principles that established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations regarding social activism
• Independent flavor creation by original creators
• The fruit-based product as political symbol
• Ongoing tensions among parent company and social mission