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The co-founders behind the well-known frozen dessert company Ben and Jerry's has claimed how corporate owner Unilever prevented the launch of an innovative Palestine-themed ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the company with his partner, revealed how he will independently develop this new flavor within an individual series highlighting issues Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly.

Ongoing Conflict Between Founders versus Corporate Owner

This latest development escalates the ongoing conflict among the internationally recognized dessert company and Unilever, the UK-based consumer goods corporation that has owned the ice cream brand for over two decades.

The co-founders have asserted how the parent company and their ice cream division Magnum improperly prevented their company against "maintaining its activist principles".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen announced via an Instagram video how he's developing a new watermelon-based sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name and potential ingredients.

“I'm doing what they couldn't,” the founder stated in a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-flavored frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine and calls for addressing the harm that occurred in the region.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian people due to its coloration, which match those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Previous Social Engagement and Recent Developments

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in areas occupied by Israel, resulting in the parent company selling their Israel business over to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting ongoing distribution in disputed territories.

The new dessert series is being created through Ben's Best, the socially conscious ice cream brand which originally established several years back for endorsing former political contender Senator Sanders via the flavor "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts plus Upcoming Plans

Mr. Cohen revealed that he plans to develop additional frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking about openly by corporate restrictions.

This development follows partner Mr. Greenfield stepped down his position at the company in September, after decades with the organization, mentioning concerns that its independence had been compromised following Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.

Previously, Mr. Cohen stated how "Jerry has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was deeply distressing him."

“My conscience compels me to continue to work within the organization to advocate for its independence ensuring that the company can fulfill its ethical purpose, the values that established its foundation and has maintained for over 40 years," he explained to media outlets.

• Parent company limitations on political advocacy
• Personal product development from original creators
• The fruit-based product serving as political symbol
• Continuing tensions among corporate ownership versus social mission