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The original creators of the well-known ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's has stated how corporate owner Unilever blocked the introduction of an innovative pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, that established the business alongside Jerry Greenfield, announced how he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing issues the company was barred from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Founders versus Parent Company

This latest development deepens the continuing disagreement between the internationally recognized ice cream maker with Unilever, the British packaged goods giant that has owned the ice cream brand since 2000.

Both founders have asserted how Unilever and their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented their company against "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol for Support

The entrepreneur announced via social media that he is creating an innovative watermelon-based frozen dessert, asking for consumer ideas regarding naming options plus potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they were prevented from doing,” Mr. Cohen stated from his kitchen. “I'm making a watermelon-flavored ice cream that advocates for permanent peace in Palestine while demanding addressing the harm that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as an emblem for support for the Palestinian people because of its coloration, that match those of the Palestinian flag – the distinctive four-color pattern.

Previous Activism and Current Changes

Several years ago, Ben & Jerry's refused to sell its products in territories occupied by Israel, resulting in Unilever transferring the Israeli operation over to an Israeli distributor, thus allowing ongoing distribution in the occupied West Bank.

The new product line is being developed under Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand that was first created several years back for endorsing former political contender Bernie Sanders with the flavor "Bernie's Return".

Leadership Shifts plus Upcoming Intentions

Mr. Cohen indicated that he will develop other ice cream flavors that address issues which Ben & Jerry's was prevented from addressing publicly due to Unilever.

This development follows partner Jerry Greenfield resigned his position at the company in September, after decades of involvement, mentioning worries regarding how its independence was undermined following Unilever's decision to curb its social activism.

At that time, Ben Cohen stated how “My partner has a really big heart and this conflict with Unilever was breaking it."

"My heart leads me to keep working within the organization to advocate for corporate autonomy so that the company can achieve the social mission, the values which it was founded on while upholding for over 40 years," he told journalists.

• Corporate owner restrictions on political advocacy
• Personal flavor creation by company founders
• Watermelon flavor serving as social statement
• Continuing disagreements among parent company versus ethical values