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The co-founders of the famous frozen dessert company Ben & Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner the multinational conglomerate blocked the launch for a new Palestine-themed frozen dessert product.

The entrepreneur, that established the business with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he plans to personally create this new flavor as part of an individual series showcasing issues the company has been barred from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Founders versus Parent Company

The recent development intensifies the continuing tension among the internationally recognized dessert company and its corporate parent, the British consumer goods giant which acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have asserted that the parent company along with its ice cream arm the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's from "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Sorbet becoming an Emblem of Support

Mr. Cohen announced through an Instagram video that he's developing a new watermelon-based sorbet, asking for public suggestions for naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they were prevented from doing,” the founder stated in his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has become a symbol for solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its coloration, which closely resemble those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Social Engagement and Recent Developments

In 2021, the ice cream company refused to sell their merchandise in territories under Israeli control, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing continued sales in disputed territories.

This upcoming product line will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first created in 2016 to support former political contender Bernie Sanders with the product "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Changes and Future Plans

Mr. Cohen indicated how he will create other ice cream flavors that address concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly due to Unilever.

The announcement follows co-founder Jerry Greenfield stepped down from Ben & Jerry's recently, after decades with the organization, mentioning concerns regarding how its independence was compromised after Unilever's decision to curb their advocacy work.

Previously, Mr. Cohen commented how “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for its independence so that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the principles which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he told media outlets.

• Corporate owner limitations on social activism
• Independent flavor creation by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as social statement
• Ongoing disagreements between parent company and ethical values