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The original creators behind the famous ice cream brand Ben and Jerry's has announced that parent company Unilever stopped the introduction of a new pro-Palestinian ice cream flavor.

The entrepreneur, who co-founded the business with Jerry Greenfield, disclosed that he plans to independently develop the controversial flavor as part of a personal collection showcasing causes Ben & Jerry's was prevented from speaking out about.

Ongoing Dispute Involving Creators versus Corporate Owner

This latest development deepens the continuing conflict among the internationally recognized dessert company with its corporate parent, the British packaged goods corporation which acquired the ice cream brand since 2000.

The co-founders have asserted how Unilever along with their ice cream division the Magnum brand improperly prevented Ben & Jerry's against "honouring its social mission".

Watermelon Flavor becoming a Symbol of Solidarity

Mr. Cohen stated through an Instagram video how he is creating an innovative watermelon-based sorbet, requesting consumer ideas for the product's name and potential ingredients.

“I'm accomplishing what they couldn't,” Mr. Cohen commented from a cooking set. “I'm creating a watermelon-based frozen dessert that advocates for lasting ceasefire in Palestine while demanding repairing the damage that was done there.”

This particular fruit has emerged as a symbol for solidarity with the Palestinian people because of its colors, which mirror those of the Palestinian flag – red, green, black and white.

Historical Activism and Recent Changes

In 2021, Ben & Jerry's ceased sales of its products in territories occupied by Israel, leading to Unilever transferring their Israel business to an Israeli distributor, thereby permitting continued sales within disputed territories.

This upcoming dessert series is being created through Mr. Cohen's personal brand, the socially conscious ice cream brand which was first established several years back to support former political contender Senator Sanders with the product "Bernie's Back".

Management Shifts plus Future Intentions

Mr. Cohen stated that he will create additional frozen dessert varieties focusing on concerns that the company was silenced from speaking about openly due to corporate restrictions.

The announcement follows partner Mr. Greenfield resigned his position at Ben & Jerry's in September, after many years with the organization, citing worries that the company's autonomy had been compromised following Unilever's decision to restrict their advocacy work.

At that time, Mr. Cohen stated that “My partner has a really big heart and the ongoing dispute with our parent company was breaking it."

"My heart compels me to keep working within the organization to advocate for its independence 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 limitations regarding political advocacy
• Independent product development by original creators
• Watermelon flavor as political symbol
• Continuing tensions between corporate ownership and ethical values