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One of the co-founders of the famous frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has announced how parent company Unilever stopped the launch of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who established the company with his partner, revealed how he will independently develop this new product within an individual collection highlighting issues the company was prevented from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Between Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement escalates the continuing tension among the world-famous dessert company with Unilever, the British packaged goods giant which acquired Ben & Jerry's for over two decades.

The co-founders have claimed how Unilever along with its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented their company against "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Sorbet as a Symbol for Solidarity

Mr. Cohen stated via social media how he is creating a new watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, requesting public suggestions for naming options and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder commented in his kitchen. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for permanent peace for Palestinians while demanding repairing the damage that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has become an emblem of solidarity with Palestinians due to its colors, that closely resemble those of Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Social Engagement plus Recent Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever transferring the Israeli operation to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution within the occupied West Bank.

This upcoming dessert series will be created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first established several years back to support former US presidential candidate Senator Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes plus Upcoming Intentions

The founder indicated how he plans to develop additional ice cream flavors focusing on concerns that the company was prevented from speaking about openly due to Unilever.

The announcement follows co-founder Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's recently, following decades with the organization, mentioning concerns that the company's autonomy had been undermined following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated how "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with our parent company was breaking it."

“My conscience leads me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy ensuring that the company can achieve the social mission, the values which established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company restrictions regarding political advocacy
• Independent product development from original creators
• Watermelon flavor as social statement
• Ongoing tensions between parent company versus social mission