Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder States Parent Company Halted Palestine-Themed Ice Cream Product

Ice cream activism illustration
Activist Founders advocating for political issues through dessert products

The co-founders behind the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has announced that parent company the multinational conglomerate blocked the introduction for an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that established the business with Jerry Greenfield, announced that he will independently develop this new product as part of an individual series highlighting causes Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking out about.

Longstanding Conflict Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

The recent announcement deepens the continuing disagreement 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.

The co-founders have asserted how the parent company and its ice cream arm Magnum improperly prevented their company from "fulfilling its ethical commitments".

Watermelon Sorbet as a Symbol for Support

Mr. Cohen revealed via an Instagram video how he's developing an innovative watermelon-flavored frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding the product's name plus potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen stated from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that calls for permanent peace for Palestinians and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

The watermelon has emerged as a symbol for support for Palestinians due to its coloration, that closely resemble the colors in Palestine's national banner – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Historical Activism plus Recent Developments

Several years ago, the ice cream company ceased sales of its products in areas under Israeli control, resulting in Unilever transferring their Israel business over to a local licensee, thereby permitting ongoing distribution within disputed territories.

The new product line will be developed under Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first established in 2016 for endorsing ex- political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Changes and Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated how he plans to create additional frozen dessert varieties focusing on issues which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly due to Unilever.

This development comes after partner Jerry Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, following decades with the organization, citing worries that its independence had been undermined following corporate moves to curb their advocacy work.

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

“My conscience leads me to keep working inside the company to fight for corporate autonomy so that it can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values which established its foundation while upholding for decades," he told media outlets.

  • Corporate owner restrictions on social activism
  • Personal flavor creation by company founders
  • The fruit-based product as social statement
  • Continuing tensions among parent company and ethical values
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly

Elara is an avid mountaineer and writer, sharing her passion for high-altitude expeditions and sustainable outdoor practices.